MPA wins Award for 'Park Your Art' project

Photo courtesy MPA

Miami Parking Authority (MPA), was named winner of the Award of Excellence in the category for Innovation in a Parking Operation or Program for its innovative “Park Your Art” program. The award was presented to Miami Parking Authority during the 2016 International Parking Institute (IPI) Conference and Expo held in Nashville, TN from May 17-20, 2016.

Art and parking were intertwined when eight winners of the first edition of Wynwood’s Park-Your-Art contest got their creative juices flowing to turn parking meters into pieces of art last November when they painted their artwork live before the public. The winners each was assigned one parking meter in Wynwood which became their canvas for the day. 

The initiative, a partnership between Miami Parking Authority and Beefree Media, allowed local artists to gain exposure by adding liveliness to an often overlooked device. The meters were covered with an anti-graffiti lamination to protect the designs, which will remain on display through Miami’s Art Basel 2015 season and until this year’s contest.

“We are honored that the IPI has recognized our agency for its vision in integrating parking into public art in the heart of Miami’s urban core,” said Alejandra Argudin, Chief Operating Officer of Miami Parking Authority. “MPA understands the value of artistic expressions and how these opportunities can shape communities in a positive way.”

“IHeart 305,” the theme of the 2015 Wynwood’s Park-Your-Art contest, shared a message of love for the community. For several weeks, the contest sought the participation of emerging and established artists who submitted their original artwork proposals and shared what they love about Miami. The winners were selected based on originality of content, technique and creative interpretation of the theme.   

Winners of the contest are:
Chris “DuWerks” Dudot
Courtney Einhorn
Gianna DiBartolomeo
Leah Guzman
Lauren Adams
Melissa Martinez
Randa Writer
Rei Ramirez