Metro Arts in Transit is one of nine local arts organizations awarded grants from the PNC Foundation through the PNC Arts Alive initiative. The $20,000 grant will support MetroScapes, a program that promotes local artists by displaying their work at MetroBus shelters and transit centers throughout the St. Louis region.

“The arts community across Greater St. Louis is very active with a wide selection of theater, dance and concerts,” said Michael Scully, PNC Regional President for St. Louis. “Through the PNC Arts Alive initiative, we can contribute to the region’s outstanding cultural arts and support new and imaginative arts programs that help enrich our community and strengthen our local economy.”

Each year, 10 images are selected for the MetroScapes program. The selected works are reproduced as large-scale posters which are installed and on display for one year at more than 200 MetroBus shelters throughout the St. Louis region. Since the program launched in 2015, the work of 21 local artists has been selected for MetroScapes from a pool of more than 240 submissions.

“The generous contribution from the PNC Foundation will strengthen a program that supports our local artists and helps share their amazing work,” said David Allen, Director of Metro Arts in Transit. “The combination of this national recognition with the support we have received from our local partners and art community will solidify MetroScapes for years to come, creating a better travel experience for our passengers and a more vibrant setting for the communities we serve.”

The multi-year initiative of the PNC Foundation is dedicated to supporting visual and performing arts groups with the goal of increasing arts access and engagement in new and innovative ways. Since it was introduced, PNC Arts Alive has provided a total of $2 million to support 74 programs to increase access to the arts and culture in the St. Louis region.

The 2017 MetroScapes program is currently accepting entries. Local artists – who reside within 50 miles of St. Louis – can submit up to three images for consideration. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 11:59 p.m.