Jasper Wong from POW! WOW! recently joined forces with Fred Bidwell from Transformer Station as curatorial team for the INTER|URBAN public arts program 2016. This original project is working on transforming Cleveland’s public transit rail system into a large-scale public art experience.
Through artwork that can be enjoyed on their commute, this program seeks to challenge public transit riders emotionally and intellectually, while making physical and cultural connections to their surroundings. Inspiration for the artworks included is taken directly from the literature of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards. These works and authors are exploring ideas of social justice, diversity, and the celebration of all cultures and backgrounds, which are themes that go along with the idea of the whole undertaking. Each of the featured artists are creating their direct reflection on the selected inspirational text.
Produced by LAND studio in partnership with the City of Cleveland, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA), Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), The Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards, and The Cleveland Foundation, the initiative looks to grow over several years, aiming to cement the cultural significance of art in the public realm. So for, they have produced murals and installations by such artists as Aaron De La Cruz, Alan Giberson, Alex Yanes, Amber Esner, Brendan Monroe, Ellen Rutt, Faith47, Katy Kosman, Keliy Anderson-Staley, Margaret Kimball, Peter Larson, OhioSwim (Osman Mohammad), etc.
