A leading local transportation and group travel company is launching an innovative program to promote the region’s nonprofit arts and culture industry in a way that will “move” residents and global visitors – literally. GoPegasus officially rolls out “Art on Wheels,” its program to convert luxury coach buses into “moving canvases” showcasing the works of local artists.
GoPegasus has joined forces with United Arts of Central Florida and the Orange County Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs to kick off the program in conjunction with Arts & Culture Advocacy Day, an annual mission trip to Tallahassee conducted by leaders from these and other local arts and cultural organizations. The group will travel to the state capital today via the inaugural “Art on Wheels” bus for two days of networking events and meetings with legislators. United Arts has participated in the mission for more than 20 years.
“Just like the cultural community appreciates when people attend their events and programs, we know that our legislators appreciate when we visit the state capital to see firsthand what they are doing,” said Jennifer Evins, president & CEO of United Arts of Central Florida, among the leaders attending the mission. “Going with a unified voice and requesting full funding for the arts is critical when so many other voices are also being heard by our legislators. This bus wrap will be seen by thousands of people who we hope will also let their legislators know how important funding for the arts is in their communities.”
Said Director of Arts & Cultural Affairs/Chief Arts Instigator, Orange County, Terry Olson, “I can’t think of a more fitting and unique way to showcase the personality of Orange County than in beautifully designed luxury motorcoaches. Arts and culture is a major economic engine for our community, and these vehicles will literally do that – become a vehicle for communicating that value.”
GoPegasus commissioned Orlando-based muralist, graphic designer and illustrator Christian Stanley for its first “Art on Wheels” installation. “While there are many examples of iconic imagery that come to mind when thinking of Orlando, swans and citrus fruit are two that represent the history and heart of the area,” said Stanley. “I am honored to be able to represent the arts scene of Central Florida with this design, and hope that this project helps to deliver the message that the arts are essential to our community.”
GoPegasus Vice President and 2016 Orlando Business Journal Executive of the Year Claudia Menezes added, “For more than 25 years, our transportation and travel planning company has cared passionately about the arts community. We developed ‘Art on Wheels’ as a natural extension of our company’s commitment to our community, clients, excellence and innovation. When the arts thrive, we all thrive.”
The company is currently in talks with potential sponsors for its program with the goal of securing underwriters for more than 10 buses in its fleet, as well as conducting interviews with artists to pair with those supporters. Artists can contact Christine@gopegasus.com for more information.
According to a 2017 study by United Arts in the Central Florida seven-county region, conservatively $399.9 million dollars are generated annually by nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and their audiences in direct economic activity, and the industry supports more than 13,700 jobs and $39.9 million in culture-related revenue for state and local governments annually.
A Disney blooded, crafty, fun-lovin’ wife/mom/organizer/planner, etc who is obsessed with all things Disney 🙂 Maria grew up with the Magic Kingdom and has loved watching WDW evolve into what it is today. A firm believer in the Power of Pixie Dust, she is the owner of The Disney Driven Life – A Community for Neurotic Disney People & a d.i.y. crafty blog, Carousel of Projects – create~inspire~share.