WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia – The Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) and CultureFix are calling on local artists to help bring history to life through their Bus Art Contest.

This year’s theme, “Spirit of 1776,” commemorates the 250th anniversary of American Independence and Virginia’s role in the American Revolution.

WATA and CultureFix previously partnered to host a bus art competition in 2019.

The contest is open to all residents who live in James City County, the City of Williamsburg, or York County. Artists are invited to submit original hand-drawn or digital designs under one of the following categories: Aspiring (Under 18), Amateur, and Professional. Three winning artists will receive a $500 check prize each. Each selected artwork will be professionally produced and displayed on a WATA bus, allowing thousands of passengers, community members, and visitors to enjoy the art throughout the Historic Triangle.

“We are excited to partner with CultureFix again to show off our local talent, and what better time to do so than to celebrate our nation’s 250^th birthday in the Historic Triangle,” said Matthew Scalia, Executive Director of WATA. “The art will be enjoyed not just by our community, but by the tens of thousands of tourists who will visit this year to celebrate with us.”

“CultureFix is very excited to once again partner with WATA to bring 3 community created mobile murals to the area,” said Steve Ross, Co-Founder and President of CultureFix. “It’s fantastic to have creative thinking partners to work with.”

Submissions will be accepted from January 23 through March 4, 2026. Following the submission period, community voting will take place online from March 9 to March 15, 2026. The other category selections will be made by a panel of art and subject experts and the WATA Board of Directors. The contest will conclude with the announcement of winners and the official unveiling of the bus artwork on multiple dates in April 2026.

For more information about the Bus Art Contest and to submit artwork, visit https://www.gowata.org/266/Bus-Art-Contest

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About Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA)   

WATA provides safe, reliable, and accessible public transportation to the citizens of James City County, the City of Williamsburg, and the Bruton District of York County. For more information about WATA, visit www.goWATA.org or call WATA at (757) 220-5493.