2026 Bus Art Contest
The Williamsburg Area Transit Authority and CultureFix are calling on local artists to help bring history to life through their Bus Art Contest! In honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary, this year’s theme, “Spirit of 1776,” commemorates American Independence and Virginia’s role in shaping the nation’s history.
Artists are invited to submit original designs inspired by this milestone moment in history. Three winning artists will each receive a $500 check prize, and their artwork will be professionally produced and showcased on WATA buses. These rolling works of art will travel throughout the Historic Triangle, giving thousands of riders and community members the chance to experience local creativity every day.
Submissions will be accepted from January 23 to March 6, 2026.
The contest is open to all individuals who reside in James City County, the City of Williamsburg, or York County.
All submissions must be original artwork created solely by the participant and should thoughtfully reflect the contest theme.
To enter, participants must download the official bus outline template, WATA Bus Art Contest 2026 Practice Sheet, and submit their completed design along with their application from January 23, 2026 to March 4, 2026.
Each participant is limited to one design entry. Entries must be submitted through the following:
- Submitting through the application below.
- Mailed to WATA’s Operation and Maintenance Facility (7239 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, VA 23185).
- Emailed to ixo@gowata.org during the submission period. Mailed submissions must be received by March 4, 2026.
Hand Drawn Art Submissions Template
Adobe Illustrator Submissions Template
Other (Affinity, Procreate, etc.) Submissions Template
To support artists through the process, WATA and our partner, Streetlevel Media, have developed a helpful design guideline outlining best practices for creating and submitting artwork:
Submissions for the Bus Art Contest will be accepted from January 23 through March 4, 2026. Following the submission period, a community voting phase will take place from March 9 to March 15, 2026. Panel votes will also take place during that week. The contest will conclude with the announcement of the winners and the official unveiling of the bus artwork from March 30 to April 18, 2026.
The three winning designs will be selected by the following:
o One through community voting, which will be held for one week from March 9 - 15, 2026.
o One selected by a panel panel of art and subject experts designated by WATA.
o One selected by the WATA Board of Directors.
Judging Criteria
Designs will be judged based on how well they reflect the contest theme and clearly connect to the “Spirit of 1776.” Submissions should be creative and convey a clear message that viewers can easily understand. Artwork should also be engaging and uplifting, creating a positive experience for passengers and the public who see the bus in service.
Questions
If you have any questions, contact Iyanla XO, Marketing and Administrative Specialist at ixo@gowata.org or (757) 790-2506.