New Art Project Transforms the Grant Street tunnel near Oakland

While big things are happening at Oakland right now, big things are happening around us, too. The Memorial Drive Greenway continues to draw new visitors and local residents alike, our friends at Sweet Auburn Works are making waves with that vital area of our city, and the transit-oriented development at the King Memorial MARTA station outside Oakland’s main gate is rapidly coming along with completion scheduled for 2023. Most recently, we’re thrilled to see the unveiling of Reflection Tunnel, a large-scale lighting artwork in the Grant Street tunnel which connects Oakland Cemetery to the King Memorial MARTA station. This project was made possible by our incredible friends at MARTA Artbound and Dashboard (remember Golden Hour, our 2018 partnership with Dash?).

The 20,000-piece art activation by artist Adam Bostic dramatically transforms the tunnel using multicolored reflectors and provides a safer space for pedestrians. The project also incorporates an interactive series of oral histories reflecting on the past and present of the surrounding neighborhoods, showcased along the 300 feet of sidewalk. Scott Morris, co-founder of preservation nonprofit Historic Atlanta, is collecting, preserving, and highlighting stories from neighbors, business owners, community leaders, and others connected to the area.

“This project has been an incredible, years-long collaboration with the creative team, MARTA Artbound, and the surrounding community,” says Dashboard Creative Director Courtney Hammond. “I’m so pleased with the visually stunning and equally meaningful transformation we’ve achieved together, and I’m thrilled for the public to experience it.”

King Memorial Station serves as a bustling hub for Georgia State students and downtown residents and is a key connector to historic sites such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home, historic Auburn Avenue, and, of course, Oakland. MARTA Artbound Director Katherine Dirga notes, “We’re excited to expand our public art program, Artbound, from our rail stations to the surrounding communities. Our hope is that Reflection Tunnel will be an inspiring and unique experience for our customers and all who use this route,”

We can’t wait for you to check it out the next time you ride MARTA to Oakland!

Feature photo: Artist Adam Bostic. Photo courtesy of Dashboard.