Metro de Santiago and the cultural organization Corporación 3xi have launched a national contest for artists to design murals for the new Line 7.
The initiative aims to integrate public art into the city's infrastructure, transforming transit hubs into cultural spaces. By inviting artists to contribute to the network, the project seeks to promote cultural participation, and enrich the daily commute for thousands of residents.
Supported by Banca por el Arte, the competition calls for proposals for large-format artworks. The project intends to install 21 murals [1] across the 19 stations [1] that make up the future Line 7. This scale of integration ensures that nearly every stop on the new line will feature a significant artistic installation.
The organizers said that the goal is to create a "Ruta del Encuentro," or Route of Encounter, using the metro system as a gallery. The murals are expected to reflect a variety of artistic expressions, and contribute to the visual identity of the expanding transit system.
Artists must submit their proposals according to the guidelines set by Metro de Santiago and Corporación 3xi. The selection process will determine which creators will be commissioned to execute their visions on the station walls. Because Line 7 is still in development, these artworks will be integrated into the design and construction phases of the stations.
“The project intends to install 21 murals across the 19 stations that make up the future Line 7.”
The integration of large-scale art into the Santiago Metro's expansion reflects a broader urban planning trend where transit infrastructure is used as a tool for social and cultural enrichment. By commissioning 21 works for 19 stations, the city is leveraging its public transport system to increase art accessibility and create a distinct cultural corridor within the metropolitan area.
