MTA Arts & Design (A&D) encourages the use of mass transit in the metropolitan New York area with engaging visual and performing arts and design within the transit environment. A&D’s permanent percent-for-art program, temporary digital art, graphic art, photography, live musical performances and Poetry in Motion are experienced by the 8.5 million people who ride MTA subways and trains daily. Our diverse programs strive to create meaningful connections among sites, neighborhoods, and people. For more information, visit MTA Arts & Design, search #mtaarts on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter.
Please scroll down to view current Calls for Submissions to A&D programs
Permanent Art Call for Images
To apply to a Permanent Art Call for Images, click Submit next to the opportunities listed below. You will be prompted to enter contact information, and upload materials for consideration.
For answers to common questions, download the Call for Images Frequently Asked Questions. To contact MTA Arts & Design, submit an inquiry through the MTA Customer Feedback Form by selecting “Other MTA agencies and departments,” then choosing “Arts and Design.” Please be aware of deadlines (Midnight EST on the date listed) and note that if you are interested in more than one Call listed below, you will need to apply to each Call separately.
Digital Art Call for Submissions
To apply to the Digital Art Call for Submissions, click Submit next to the opportunity listed below. You will be prompted to enter contact information, and upload materials for consideration.
For answers to common questions, download the Call for Submissions Frequently Asked Questions. To contact MTA Arts & Design, submit an inquiry through the MTA Customer Feedback Form by selecting “Other MTA agencies and departments,” then choosing “Arts and Design.” Please be aware of deadlines (Midnight EST on the date listed).
MTA MUSIC Call for Performers
MTA MUSIC applications will only be accepted online via Submittable. At this time, there are no scheduled auditions or open submission opportunities. We look forward to announcing future opportunities for performers interested in joining the program.
When future MTA MUSIC Live Auditions become available, will be prompted to enter contact information, and upload materials for consideration:
- short online application form;
- up to 2 sample audio files not exceeding 5 minutes in length;
- links to streaming video clips and optional materials such as links to website, social media accounts;
- applicants under 18 MUST include a valid Employment for Child Performer permit.
For answers to common questions, download the Call for Performers Frequently Asked Questions. To contact MTA Arts & Design, submit an inquiry through the MTA Customer Feedback Form by selecting “Other MTA agencies and departments,” then choosing “Arts and Design.”
For any questions about using this site, visit Submittable’s Help Center.
MTA Arts & Design seeks images of artists’ previous work for consideration in upcoming public art opportunities related to ADA accessibility upgrades and other improvements at two Long Island Rail Road stations: Bellerose and Floral Park in Nassau County, Long Island. The station artworks will be realized in mosaic and/or metal by an approved fabricator, with each averaging between 400-600 sq ft across multiple surface areas. Prior experience with the materials is not required and will not influence the evaluation process. Artwork in any medium may be submitted.
SELECTION PROCESS
A selection panel comprised of arts and design professionals will select two finalists—one for each station—to develop original proposals. Finalists will receive site specifications and a detailed project overview to guide the creation of a site-specific artwork proposal, for which they will receive an honorarium of $1,250. After reviewing the proposals and the artists' in-person presentations, the panel will select one artist per station to receive the commission.
The budget for design and fabrication of the artwork at each station is to be determined. Selected artists will receive an artist fee and be required to produce final designs, select a fabricator, and oversee the fabrication and installation of the artwork, with project management by MTA Arts & Design.
TO APPLY
Eligibility is based upon artistic merit as demonstrated in previous work, exhibition history, awards, honors, and publications, along with proficiency and technical knowledge in the artist’s primary medium(s).
All artists interested in being considered for projects must apply online. Please submit up to 20 images, bio, CV, brief artist statement, and application form to mtaarts.submittable.com.
Submissions must be complete by 11:59 pm EST on Friday, November 20, 2026. Please direct inquiries for MTA Arts & Design to the MTA Customer Feedback Form by selecting “Other MTA agencies and departments” then choosing “Arts and Design.”
Download Frequently Asked Questions.
Technical Questions? Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.
Image credits: Left: James Gulliver Hancock, Connection Cultivating Communities, 2018, ceramic mosaic, LIRR Merrick Station. Right: Dan Funderburgh, SHOAL, 2023, ceramic mosaic, LIRR Bellmore Station.