The Art That Moves People initiative, a collaboration between Aldine ISD and Houston METRO, has been featured in the May/June 2024 edition of Texas School Business magazine. This program engages students in designing bus shelter artworks that represent their school pride and encourage future artistic pursuits. The contest challenges students to consider how their artwork can impact their community, creating a public display that connects their work to their school campus.

The Art That Moves People initiative is a collaborative effort between METRO and AISD that brings public art to the community, highlighting the rich diversity of the Aldine community and encouraging students to create art that reflects their cultural backgrounds and personal experiences. The program aims to foster unity and a sense of belonging by promoting inclusivity and diversity, allowing students to contribute to their community and share their unique stories through art installations.

Kaileigh Newman, the Director of Visual Arts at Aldine ISD, emphasizes the importance of the contest in validating students’ artistic abilities, building an arts community, and providing a platform for students to express their cultural identity. By participating in the contest, students are able to showcase their talents while also contributing positively to their community through public art installations.

The competition is judged based on a rubric that aims to showcase the school’s culture, values, and strengths to the community. Students are encouraged to design bus shelter artwork that engages a diverse audience on a daily basis. Winning designs are displayed in local METRO bus shelters, becoming a permanent fixture in the community and instilling pride in the school while inspiring future artists and exciting the community.

To read more about this unique program or view examples of student designs from Texas School Business magazine (Pages 24-24).