Art Protecting Birds – The First Artistic Bus Stop in Bielsko-Biała is Ready!
How Can Art Protect Nature?
Bus stop glass shelters protect passengers from wind and rain, but they also pose
a threat to birds, which often fail to see them and collide with the glass, resulting in billions of bird fatalities each year.
By placing street art graphics created by local Bielsko-Biała artists on the bus stop shelters, we have successfully prevented bird collisions that previously occurred regularly. Transforming a glass trap into a functional, educational, and aesthetic work of art, this initiative enhances both urban space and wildlife protection. The intricate graphic cut-out designs maintain the shelter’s transparency, ensuring passenger comfort while making the glass visible to birds.
The first artistic bus stop of this project was completed in November 2024 at the Żwirki
i Wigury Square bus stop in Bielsko-Biała. The design was created by Wojciech Kobyliński, with supervision and expert guidance provided by Dariusz Czernek from the Szklane Pułapki Foundation. The project coordinator was Kris Kaczmar.
In 2025, more artistic bus stops will be added, forming a unique art trail in Bielsko-Biała’s public space.
About the Contributors:
Wojciech Kobyliński – A tattoo artist and visual art enthusiast, recently exploring graphic design. His work is characterized by attention to detail and a strong presence of geometric elements.
Fundacja Szklane Pułapki – An organization dedicated to protecting birds from collisions with glass surfaces. Research indicates that glass collisions are among the leading causes of bird mortality, second only to habitat loss. The foundation conducts educational campaigns and implements practical solutions, such as marking bus stop shelters and other glass surfaces, to make them more visible to birds.
Street Art Academy – A platform that connects street artists, artivists, new media creators, and researchers, fostering collaboration and the exchange of experiences in public spaces. By merging the spontaneous, unpredictable nature of street art with structured academic frameworks, the academy explores the potential of interdisciplinary dialogue and the transformative power of art. Through artist residencies, street art projects, workshops, and an international network, the academy delves into the challenges and opportunities of public art.
