Local artists want to transform two abandoned buses into a much-needed studio space to nurture the creativity of Islanders.Artist Ami Zanders is leading the campaign to put the two vandalised buses in St. David’s to good use “for the sake of the community.”She says it makes sense to “recycle the buses” rather than forking out thousands of dollars in rent to promote Bermuda’s home-grown artistic talent.Ms Zanders says the local art community would love to make the plan a reality but to do so they need the cooperation of the Government.Transport Minister Terry Lister says the two abandoned buses have been donated to a community group, but he won’t give any more details.It means Ms Zanders is unable to contact the community group to “offer to take the buses off their hands.”Ms Zanders says there is a growing art community in Bermuda and artists need a space to work, share ideas and learn from each other.She said: “These buses would be perfect for art studios. We could use them both as places for artists to work.“I have already asked other artists what they think and everyone is in agreement that this would be a perfect space for us.“If we get permission we could apply for funding to transform the buses and get them ready.”Ms Zanders is known for her printmaking and silk screening and has had her work exhibited across the Island.She says the buses could be used for all types of artwork including metal work, pottery, jewellery making and painting.She says the outside of the buses could also be painted “and turned into pieces of artwork.”Ms Zanders believes the Rubber Tree in Warwick or Tiger Bay in St George’s would be suitable locations for the art studios to be based.The Royal Gazette reported on Friday that the pink and blue buses had been left to rot on a field on Carter’s Bay Road, off Southside Road. It is Government land, owned by the Bermuda Land Development Corporation.Over the last six weeks vandals have set to work smashing the windows and windscreens of the vehicles, which still have their licence plates.Ms Zanders said: “I saw the story and couldn’t believe what I was reading.“It’s outrageous that the buses are just sitting there. It’s a waste that they have had their windows smashed.“These buses aren’t being used for anything, I think it would be great if we could put them to good use.“But we can’t do anything without the name of the community group. All we need is a name then we can contact them and offer to take the buses off their hands. It’s the ideal solution. We really want this to become a reality.”Mr Lister yesterday refused to name the community group, saying it was “a private matter.” He did however tell us that the abandoned buses were not among those unwanted buses former Transport Minister Dr Ewart Brown wanted to sell onto Cuba in 2003.Mr Lister’s spokesman told us: “Things are going on behind the scenes” but he refused to elaborate any further.When asked if Government would support plans to turn the buses into an art studio, Mr Lister urged the artists to contact him at TCD.