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Mayor Kathy Sheehan, CDTA Chairman David Stackrow, CBID Executive
Director, Anthony Capece and Treasurer Darius Shahinfar at the unveiling of the
transit art screen at the bus station in front of The Linda, WAMC's
Performing Arts Studio on Central Avenue.
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“ArtTV,” a public transit art program in Albany, held its launch event today at a gallery-style opening right on the sidewalk, in the heart of one of the city’s busiest bus stations.
At the launch event, the program’s partners unveiled one of the specially-designed digital display screens so that audiences could enjoy the premiere of “ArtTV.” The event included a live performance from Poet Daniel Summerhill, and offered a chance to meet the artists who contributed to the program.
Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “The city’s arts and cultural scene is one of our greatest assets. We have so many talented artists in the City of Albany, and it’s wonderful to see CDTA and the Central Avenue Business Improvement District offering them another place to display their artwork and add to this city’s cultural heritage. This program will also bring artwork right to the public in the spaces they inhabit, inspiring people on a daily basis.”
CDTA Board Chairman David M. Stackrow said, “CDTA is happy to be part of this exciting announcement that will enhance the transit experience along Central Avenue. ArtTV offers a cultural dimension to our transit services, connecting our customers to the local arts community in a way this area has never seen before. This project is just another example of CDTA innovation on full display.”
Anthony Capece, Executive Director for the Central Avenue Business Improvement District said, “We are doing something completely new here. Unlike other transit art programs, which focus on static installations or the construction of ornate bus shelters, Albany’s “ArtTV,” will deliver ever-changing programming, using state-of-the-art technology. We will be able to update the programming in real time so that material stays fresh and engaging.”
Sage College of Albany students contributed content as part of their coursework in the department of Art + Design. "The faculty and students of the department of Art + Design at The Sage Colleges are excited to be participating in this innovative project," said Sean Hovendick, assistant professor and program director of Graphic + Media Design at The Sage Colleges. "This is a tremendous learning opportunity for our students as well as a way for them to give back to the community through the beautification of public art."
"ArtTV" is a public arts program sponsored by Capital District Transportation Authority and the Central Avenue Business Improvement District. As part of the program, five 42-inch television screens will be installed in CDTA’s busiest bus stations on Central Avenue for the purpose of displaying artists’ work, including paintings, photographs, films, dance and music performances, poetry, author interviews, and much more. Collected from local artists and artists’ organizations, this work will be broadcast throughout the day, providing immediate access to the arts for a large cross-section of the city’s population.
