One New York City artist will have the unique opportunity to give the Port Authority Midtown Bus Terminal (PAMBT) a much-needed, major makeover, beautifying the world’s busiest bus terminal for New Yorkers and visitors as they make their return to the city.
PAMBT is one of the first sights visitors come across as they enter Manhattan and is estimated to be passed by up to 27.4 million people over a one-year period. As NYC continues its recovery following the pandemic, the Garment District Alliance (GDA) is holding an open call for local artists to paint a large-scale wall mural that will be installed on 40th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. The final, winning design will be printed on vinyl or similar adhesive materials, and installed on nine sections of brick wall this fall. The images on the panels must relate to each other in color imagery, pattern and messaging to present a cohesive presentation.
The selected artist will receive a fee of $20,000 for the development and use of their artwork including adapting the work to technical requirements provided by the production and installation firm, site visits, oversight of the installation, and cooperation in media and promotion related to the artwork. GDA will be responsible for printing and installation costs.
As part of the world’s busiest bus terminal, which has averaged 65 million people passing through the facility per year, the project is located at a highly visible, heavily trafficked area of midtown Manhattan. It is currently estimated that, on average, 28,350 pedestrians pass by the location or through adjacent intersections per day and it is estimated that number will rise to 60,750 per day by Fall 2021. Additionally some 11,220 people currently travel past the location in a vehicle per day and by Fall 2021 that number is expected to rise to 14,025 people. Overall, for a one-year period, the mural will be seen in person by up to 27.4 million people.
One artist or collaborative team of artists will be selected, and the submission deadline is July 15, 2021. For more information, artists can visit: https://garmentdistrict.nyc/