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  

MTA ART 

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.

MTA DIGITAL 

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).

MTA Music Logo 

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.

Download Call for Performers Frequently Asked Questions or email music@mtahq.org

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 three Queens stations: Parsons Blvd, Briarwood, and Jamaica-179 St. The station artworks will be realized in mosaic and/or glass by an approved fabricator, with each averaging between 475-600 sq ft across multiple surface areas. Prior experience with materials will not factor into the review. Artwork in any medium may be submitted.

 SELECTION PROCESS

A panel of arts and design professionals will select three sets of 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 a $1,250 honorarium. After reviewing the proposals and in-person presentations by the artists, 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 fabrication and installation of the artwork, with project management by MTA Arts & Design.

TO APPLY

Eligibility is based upon artistic merit as evidenced in previous work, exhibition history, awards, honors, and publications, as well as demonstrated proficiency and technical knowledge of the medium in which the artist regularly works. ​

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, August 14, 2026. Please direct all inquiries to arts@mtahq.org. ​

Download Frequently Asked Questions, contact MTA Arts & Design: arts@mtahq.org, or Submittable’s customer support: support@submittable.com. 

Renderings of Parsons Blvd and Briarwood Stations 

Left: Parsons Blvd Station Rendering

Right: Briarwood Station Rendering

MTA Arts & Design