Arts for Transit and Urban Design

Through the Poster Program,
MTA Arts for Transit commissions five to six artists each year to create transit-related artwork for Poster and Art Card production.

Poster Program
The posters are randomly displayed in unused advertising space on the platforms throughout the 468 subway stations within the transit system and are available to the public through sales at the New York Transit Museum Stores. The Program provides illustrators and other artists the opportunity to reach a broader public, while expressing the people, places, and purpose of the transit network with visual appeal and variety.

The curated Poster Program began in 1991 as a means of enhancing the station environment. Until 1998, the "Neighborhood" Poster Program highlighted neighborhood locations within the city, encouraging the public to access the transit system and enjoy traveling to New York's many diverse communities.

In 1998, the Poster Program theme was redirected to celebrate aspects of the city and the transit system. A focus on transit-related subjects has provided a fresh source of material for artists who have created a collection of inspired New York-centered art.

Art Card Program
Modeled after the Poster Program, the Art Card Program was initiated in 1999. The Program provides opportunities for illustrators, print, and other visual artists to create transit-themed artwork for display within new subway cars. Subway riders have the opportunity to enjoy colorful imagery as a source of thought and inspiration while traveling through the system.

A variety of Posters and Art Cards are available for purchase at the New York Transit Museum stores.