Artrain USA

Soon after, thanks to popular demand, a separate foundation was set up, and the tour area was broadened to the entire United States with the help of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

The Artrain USA organization is an independent nonprofit and has headquarters on North Main Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The shock and vibration potential of train travel required that sculptures and other three-dimensional works, especially if they were at all fragile, be transported in protective cases between stops, which increased the setup time enough that an all-sculpture exhibition would be prohibitive.

The one month each year that the train was not touring, it was at its home base in Ann Arbor, where the cars underwent maintenance and had exhibits updated or replaced.

The headquarters staff provided detailed sponsor and volunteer guidelines, as well as publicity and planning materials, to help the community achieve a successful visit.

The staff often gave tours to interested railroad personnel as a way to help build understanding of the train's mission and increase service responsiveness.