Art in Transit 2026
Where Local Art Takes the Spotlight — and the Streets!
About Art in Transit 2026
Art in Transit brings regional creativity to life by transforming a Bay Transit bus into a rolling canvas for one talented artist’s winning design. This vibrant annual competition energizes community partnerships, celebrates local talent, and drives support for programs that make a real difference across the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.
For six years, Art in Transit has connected art, mobility, and community impact—turning everyday travel into a celebration of imagination.
Join local partners who believe in creativity, visibility, and positive community impact. Your partnership helps support meaningful community programs, including:
Awards for the top three entries in the judged competition
These awards celebrate and encourage artistic excellence across our region. By supporting the competition, you help recognize emerging and established artists whose work brings color, creativity, and inspiration to our community—not just in the gallery, but on the road for thousands to enjoy.
Scholarships at Rappahannock Community College for Bay Transit and Bay Aging front-line employees and their families
Proceeds help provide educational opportunities for the people who serve our community every day. These scholarships open doors for career advancement, skill development, and brighter futures for employees and their families, strengthening the workforce that supports our region.
Funding for the New Freedom program, which provides essential transportation outside normal service areas for older adults and individuals with disabilities
Art in Transit helps sustain this vital mobility program, ensuring that older adults and people with disabilities can access medical appointments, employment, social connection, and essential services—especially in areas where transportation is limited.
RAL Art Center initiatives, including art classes for older adults and community art programming
Your support helps the RAL Art Center expand access to arts education and creative engagement. These programs enrich the lives of older adults, nurture local talent, and create opportunities for residents of all ages to connect through the power of art.
To ensure your organization receives full recognition in event materials and on the bus design, please confirm your 2026 sponsorship by March 30.
Art in Transit 2026
Sponsorship Opportunities
Contact:
David Fols, Transit Director
804-250-2019 Ext 1102
dfols@bayaging.org
$2,500
$1,500
$1,000
$500
$250
Promotional photo and press release highlighting your support
Premiere placement and extra-large logo on the bus alongside the winning artwork
Inclusion in all Social media shout-outs
Event signage
Event program
Promotional photo and press release highlighting your support
Prominent placement and large logo on the bus alongside the winning artwork
Social media thank you post
Event signage
Event program
Promotional photo for social media recognition highlighting your support
Placement and medium logo on the bus alongside the winning artwork
Event signage
Event program
Recognized in a shared social media post alongside fellow supporters in this sponsorship tier
Placement and small logo on the bus alongside the winning artwork
Event signage
Event program
Recognized in a shared social media post alongside fellow supporters in this sponsorship tier
Event signage
Event program
Masterpiece
Visionary
Curator
Artisan
Patron
Call for Artists: Eligibility & Entry
Artists from across the region are invited to submit their work for the 2026 Art in Transit judged competition.
Who Can Enter:
- Artists ages 16 and older
Entry Details:
- $20 entry fee per piece (up to 2 pieces)
- Receiving dates: April 25–27
- Location: RAL Art Center, 19 N. Main St., Kilmarnock
Stephanie Brown, Executive Director
RAL Art Center
804-436-9309
Full guidelines and entry form available at: 2026 Art in Transit Entry Form
Prizes
- 1st Place: $1,000 and artwork displayed on a Bay Transit bus for an entire year
- 2nd Place: $750
- 3rd Place: $500
Winning artists will also be recognized at the Awards Reception.
Awards Reception & Bus Reveal
Friday, May 29
5–7 PM
RAL Art Center
Celebrate the unveiling of the 2026 Art in Transit bus and honor this year’s winning artists. Community members, sponsors, and art lovers are all welcome!