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.
Download Call for Images Frequently Asked Questions, or email arts@mtahq.org. 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.
Download Call for Submissions Frequently Asked Questions, or email arts@mtahq.org. Please be aware of deadlines (Midnight EST on the date listed).
Music Under New York Call for Performers
MTA Music Under New York (MTA MUSIC) applications will only be accepted online via Submittable. MTA MUSIC Auditions and Auditions Application dates: January 1, 2025 - March 1, 2025.
To apply for the Music Under New York (MTA MUSIC) Live Auditions, click Submit next to the opportunity listed below. You 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.
Download Call for Performers Frequently Asked Questions or email music@mtahq.org.
For any questions about using this site, visit Submittable’s Help Center.
Apply Now for Consideration
MTA Arts & Design delivers engaging and innovative visual arts to enhance the transit experience throughout the New York region and in public spaces. Launched in 2014, the Digital Art program has advanced this effort by introducing new media artists to public space and the MTA’s diverse ridership.
Artists are invited to submit previous digital artworks to be considered for sites at Fulton Transit Center, Grand Central Madison, and Moynihan Train Hall for 2027 programming. This is an opportunity to create multi-channel installations using digital processes such as video art, film, animation, augmented reality, net art, game engines, generative art, and other forms. Artists with prior experience in multi-channel installation are encouraged to apply. We recommend applicants visit the three locations before applying. Please note that none of the sites has audio capability.
SELECTION PROCESS
Submitted materials will be reviewed and finalists will be selected to develop art proposals for digital art programming throughout 2027. Finalists will be given a detailed overview of the technical and site specifications to create a site-specific artwork proposal, for which they will receive an honorarium of $1,000.
Project budgets will be determined depending upon the nature of the project, which may include pre- and post-production. As part of the project budget, the selected artist(s) will be required to oversee the production and installation of the digital artwork, with project management by MTA Arts & Design. Artworks will be up to two minutes in length and on display for a period of approximately three months.
Please direct inquiries for MTA Arts & Design to arts@mtahq.org.
TO APPLY
Eligibility is based upon artistic merit as evidenced in previous work, exhibition history, awards, honors, and demonstrated proficiency and technical knowledge of digital, moving image, and new media. Artists working primarily in other mediums must provide a detailed explanation of technical expertise and/or collaboration with technical partners. Successful applicants must have a valid U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number.
All artists interested in being considered must apply online. Please submit up to 5 completed works in digital format (.mov or .mp4) and up to 10 still images (.jpg or .png) with a short application form, a bio, CV, and brief artist statement to
Submissions must be complete by 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Technical Questions? Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support. Image Credit: Monika Bravo, Ouranos, Above Us Only Sky, 2024, animation, LIRR Grand Central Madison.