Moving Stories: Commission for Graphic Novelists

King County Metro is partnering with 4Culture to commission six artists to create twelve short-form graphic novels as part of the Moving Stories initiative. This unique opportunity celebrates the communities served by King County's expanding RapidRide system.

Each graphic novel will reflect community stories and histories, convey a strong sense of place, and inspire transit riders to engage more deeply with the unique identities of the areas they travel through along all existing and planned RapidRide lines. The project is inspired by the RapidRide Art Plan created by Johnson|Ramirez and illustrated by Aaron Bagley, which frames each line as "a map of community."

This is an excellent opportunity for individual artists working in illustrative storytelling, cartooning, comics, and related visual media. No prior public art experience is required, making this accessible to emerging and established artists alike. Artists with ties to the RapidRide lines or the communities along the corridors they serve are strongly encouraged to apply.

The RapidRide I Line expansion exemplifies Metro's commitment to viewing infrastructure expansion not just as a transportation upgrade, but as an expansion of shared relationships and connections to community places. The Moving Stories series will help riders understand and appreciate the unique identities and histories of neighborhoods along their commute routes.

This commission offers artists the chance to contribute meaningfully to public engagement while creating work that will reach thousands of transit riders across King County.