Black History Month (February) is an annual recognition of achievements by African Americans and their central role in U.S. history. 

This year, the NFTA, in celebration and collaboration with the WNY Urban Arts Collective, is seeking local artists to submit proposals for art that will be showcased on 1 or more of NFTA-Metro busses in honor of Black History Month. The theme is “Black Excellence”, and artists are encouraged to be creative and inspiring. Images should be eye-catching, engaging, colorful, and reflective of “What Black Excellence means to you” and Black History Month. Submitted artwork can be new or existing.

Thousands will see this piece of art as it will grace the streets of WNY. Within this space, there is an opportunity to contribute positively to the daily experience of the many people who utilize the NFTA-Metro services. By creating a vibrant and inspiring artwork for our bus, we hope to generate feelings of pride. Subsequently, the addition of this piece of work will continue to expand the growth of NFTA-Metro’s public art experiences and spotlight local artists.

Project Specifications

This Call for Artists is open to any* artist residing in Western New York to submit their proposal for consideration. The dimensions for the artwork that will be displayed on the side of our bus is roughly 248” W x 54” H. The final selection will be made by a committee chosen by NFTA. The art

Upon selection, the Grand Prize winner will be paid a flat fee for their artistic contribution. Other artist's work may be used on NFTA’s social media platforms. All copyrights are reserved for NFTA.

Submission Requirements

Artists are required to submit the following for consideration (Maximum of 2 designs):

1. Name
2. Address
3. Phone
4. Email
5. Title of image
6. Description of proposed artwork
7. Bio, social media link, website
8. Artwork JPEG format file attachment
9. Save file as: firstname_lastname_NFTA_BHM_Proposal.jpg(jpeg)
10. Send to jonbak112@yahoo.com

* Please note NFTA and Metro employees are excluded from entry. 

The deadline for submissions is January 23, 2022, by midnight. Beginning January 24, submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee from the NFTA and the WNY Urban Arts Collective. Artists will be notified of their submission status by January 27, 2022. *NFTA reserves the right to refuse any inappropriate content.

For general inquires or questions regarding this Call for Artists, please contact:

Email subject (NFTA BHM).   John Baker,  President WNY Urban Arts Collective,  Jonbak112@yahoo.com    Cell: 716-994-3584

The WNY Urban Arts Collective partnering with the NFTA to assist with the planning and implementation of the Black History Month Art Project.