For the many daily commuters in Atlanta, the MARTA transit system is more than just a means of transportation – it’s also a stage for creativity.
This summer, MARTA launched Write Down the Line, a weekly creative writing challenge designed to enhance public engagement through storytelling.
Running from August 4 to September 22, the initiative is a collaboration between MARTA’s Artbound public art program and Lostintheletters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creative writing in the Atlanta area.
Write Down the Line features a series of prompts accessible via QR codes located on posters throughout the MARTA system.
Every week, participants receive a new writing prompt that encourages them to tap into their personal experiences and connections to the city.
Over the span of the challenge, which includes a total of eight prompts, writers can submit their pieces, which will be published on Lostintheletters’ website.
Additionally, each week, one exemplary submission will be selected for transformation into a digital animation by Maite Nazario, who is serving as this year’s fall artist-in-residence for Artbound and Fulton County Arts’ Public Art Futures Lab.
The project aims to foster a deeper reflection on personal narratives in relation to Atlanta’s rich history and the immediate surroundings of its residents.
Scott Daughtridge DeMer, the founder and director of Lostintheletters, emphasized that the prompts are designed to inspire introspection and storytelling.
“The prompts give people an opportunity to think or reflect or consider their immediate surroundings but also their own personal stories and their connection with the city’s history,” he explained.
DeMer elaborated on the structure of Write Down the Line, noting its intention to help participants cultivate a consistent writing practice.
“It’s not just a one-time prompt where we just give them one thing to write about and then it’s over,” said DeMer, highlighting the sustained engagement the project offers.
By committing to write regularly for eight consecutive weeks, participants can build momentum and explore the idea of continuing their writing endeavors beyond the challenge.
“Atlanta is such a unique place, and there are so many people here who have amazing stories to tell,” DeMer remarked, emphasizing the project’s role in giving voice to those narratives.
As a part of MARTA’s Artbound program, Write Down the Line aligns with ongoing efforts to integrate art into the everyday lives of Atlantans, transforming public spaces into platforms for creativity and community expression.
Participants can engage with the prompts in any form of creative writing, whether poetry, prose, or other genres, making the challenge accessible to a broad audience.
As the deadline approaches, excitement is building around the project, with community members eager to share their unique perspectives on life in Atlanta.
Those interested in participating can easily find the prompts on their daily commute, providing a seamless opportunity to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Atlanta’s stories.
In summary, Write Down the Line not only encourages personal reflection and growth in writing but also serves to connect individuals with the city’s diverse history and experiences.
As local writers embrace this creative challenge, the hope is that an engaging dialogue about Atlanta’s identity and stories will flourish, fostering a community grounded in creativity and shared experiences.
image source from：ajc
