MTA Arts & Design seeks images of artists’ previous work to review in consideration for a new site-specific permanent artwork, in conjunction with the Park Avenue Viaduct (PAV) Replacement project at East 116th Street in Manhattan. The PAV Replacement Project focuses on the elevated steel structure that carries four tracks along Park Avenue between East 110th Street and the Harlem River Lift Bridge. The MTA’s Construction & Development (MTA C&D) and Metro-North Railroad (MNR) team will replace segments of the PAV from East 115th Street to 123rd Street for Phase 1.

The new MTA A&D permanent artwork will be fabricated in durable materials, such as metal. An approved fabricator will be translating the final artwork designs into the identified media, however an artist’s prior experience with these materials and technical complexity will be preferred when reviewing images.

The budget for design and fabrication of the artwork is to be determined and will include an artist fee. As part of this fee, the selected artist will be required to submit a budget, produce final designs, select a fabricator and oversee the fabrication and installation of the artwork, with project management by MTA Arts & Design.

SELECTION PROCESS

A selection panel comprised of arts and design professionals will select finalists to develop original art proposals. Finalists will be given site specifications and a detailed overview of the project to create a proposal for site-specific artwork at the station, for which they will receive a proposal payment of $2,000. Following the selection panel’s review of proposals, one artist will be selected to receive the commission.

Eligibility is based upon artistic merit as evidenced in previous work, exhibition history, awards, honors, and publications, and demonstrated proficiency and technical knowledge of the medium(s) in which the artist regularly works. Artists must be available to work in New York during the required design and construction period (2023-27).

It is also preferred that the qualified artists have the ability to understand the context of the unique characteristics and diversity of the East Harlem communities within which this project is located, and to integrate these elements into the artwork, and experience working with community groups and making public presentations.

TO APPLY

Submit up to 20 images at mtaarts.submittable.com along with a short application form, a bio, CV, and brief artist statement. All artists interested in being considered for projects must apply through the online program at mtaarts.submittable.com.

Submissions must be complete by midnight EST on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.

Please direct inquiries for MTA Arts & Design to [email protected].