AIGA and MEAD Enlighten the Commute AIGA and MEAD Enlighten the Commute

Poetry Society of America's Diana Burnham and AIGA Atlanta President Bill Grant

The collaborative efforts of the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), The MEAD Corporation, the Poetry Society of America (PSA), and MARTA have enlightened the commutes of thousands. After two years of planning, June 5, 1998 was proclaimed "Poetry in Motion Day." The year long community service project places poetry in front of thousands of people each day during their commutes on buses and trains in metro Atlanta. The works of various poets appear on beautiful posters designed by members of AIGA Atlanta. Buses and trains will feature 24 different posters throughout the year. The day was commemorated with a ceremonial placing of the first poster on a MARTA bus, followed by a spirited reception at the Woodruff Arts Center.

Poetry in Motion originated in New York City in 1992. PSA expanded the project to Chicago, Boston, Washington, DC, and Portland. In each city, PSA works with the local transit authority and the local AIGA chapter. The joint, nationwide effort is a campaign to promote literary awareness and literacy through visually appealing posters.

Bill Grant, AIGA Atlanta President states, "We are thrilled to bring this worthwhile project to Atlanta. Our organization has been planning and implementing the program for almost two years, and we can't wait to see the first posters on the MARTA system." In addition to public transit placements, Atlanta will be the first city to bring Poetry in Motion directly to local school children. Beginning with the Fall 1998 school semester, and through the sponsorship of The MEAD Corporation, Poetry in Motion will appear in metro Atlanta classrooms.

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