MTA Arts & Design

MTA Arts & Design, formerly known as Arts for Transit and Urban Design, is a commissioned art program directed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the transportation systems serving New York City and the surrounding region. Since its inception in 1985, the program has installed art in over 260 transit stations. The art is intended to be site-specific with an overall goal of enhancing the journey for New Yorkers and visitors alike.

MTA Arts & Design has works commissioned by over 300 artists, with entries in graphic art, photography installations, digital art, Music Under New York, Poetry in Motion, and special events.

When the New York City Subway opened in 1904, its founders declared that the railway was a "great public work" where every design element should show respect for customers and enhance the experience of travel through beauty and efficiency. MTA Arts & Design was created in 1985 when the MTA began to address years of decline by rehabilitating and renewing the transit system.

The commissioning of original artwork was part of the rebuilding, signaling to customers that the system considers riders’ comfort and experience within stations. Works use durable materials like ceramic tile and mosaic, bronze, stainless steel, glass and light. MTA Arts & Design also plays an important role in design elements and architecture within passenger stations as well as industrial design elements and subway car design.

The Percent for Art projects link people to places with art that echoes the architectural or cultural history, urban design and community context of stations. The identity of New York City and its subway system is connected to the permanent artwork in the stations. The collection of work serves as the city's underground art museum and represents its vitality, energy and diversity. Most of the art is site-specific.

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