The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Art Program recently received a federal grant to acquire new art pieces for its T and commuter rail stations. These federal enhancement funds are not eligible to be used by the MBTA for safety or renovation expenditures. The MBTA already has about 70 pieces in its permanent collection in its stations but wants to secure additional artwork over a five-year span. When the program began in the late 1970s, it was the country’s first public arts program for public transit systems and has since become a model for other cities. In this newly redesigned program, the community has a voice in the artist selection process because resident-elected representatives serve on the committee.
Public art improves the aesthetic quality value of the T stations. Everyday commuters may not notice the new and renovated art. But for tourists, it may offer a distinctive addition to their T riding experience. Some of the current pieces such as Susumu Shingu’s “Gift of the Wind” sculpture are critically acclaimed.
Local artists would benefit from the program because they will have he opportunity to display their artwork to the public. While these artists would not stand to gain a huge financial profit, talented, struggling artists who lack opportunities to display their work to a wide audience would be able to reach millions of people a year.
Furthermore, area artists and residents may also profit an increased appreciation for art by city officials. When the city recognizes the value of art and commits to putting money into public arts programs, the entire community benefits because it has increased awareness and exposure to the value of art.
As it is, there is no coherent city-wide policy for such urban arts projects, according to Ricardo Barretto, director of the UrbanArts Institute at the Massachusetts College of Arts. It is also important that the residents have representation on the committee that will decide what artwork would appear in their communities.
Art should be an integral part of our communities. Kudos to the MBTA for recognizing the benefits of adding a little color to our lives.
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