Questions received 7/8/22 through 7/14/22:

Q2: Would my commercial client references work?

A2: Yes. Application materials for this call includes professional references. Commercial client references are acceptable.

Questions received 7/15/22 through 7/21/22:

Q3: What Metro lines are the “Customer Information Panels” on? 

A3: Digital Customer Information Panels are currently live on station platforms throughout the A Line. They will be rolled out on the E Line and K Line (Crenshaw/LAX) station platforms in the near future.  

Q4: How many minutes should each video submission be? How many minutes of video will the panel be viewing? Should I submit the videos in 7.5 minute pieces or longer? Is there a total duration limit for the 3-5 video files? 

A4: For materials submitted for the 2022 Artist Pool for Digital Media Opportunities, each video file should not exceed a file size of 250 MB, regardless of duration. Please note, the panel may only review approximately the first minute of each video submission. 

Q5: What if you cannot acquire professional references? Do the professional references have to be in the art industry? Would client testimonials be accepted as a professional reference? 

A5: Professional references are required as part of the application materials, and may include employers, clients, advisors, and/or professors who can speak about your work as an artist. The application requires contact information for each professional reference. 

Q6: If you are an artist with a multi-faceted practice which also includes digital motion works, are you eligible to be considered for the pool? Are artists who do digital art AND other types of arts eligible? 

A6: Yes, all artists who include digital media in their practice are eligible to apply. Artists do not have to exclusively work in digital media to be eligible. 

Q7: Can I mail my art work in the mail? 

A7: All applications must be submitted online via slideroom.com. As stated in the RFQ document, under “Submission Process and Application Materials”: Information submitted by mail, email, fax, hand-delivery or after the deadline will not be considered. Note that LA County and City of LA public libraries have computers that you can use for free. Also, the selected artist will be required to submit final artwork as digital files. To find your local library branches, please visit https://lacountylibrary.org/library-locator/ and https://www.lapl.org/branches.

Q8: Are the 3 to 5 video files part of submission materials not the videos we are submitting for display? Are they just examples of our work, and then you will reach out to successful applicants to commission a new video? 

A8: The 3 to 5 video submittals may be examples of your work, and not necessarily the videos for display as a licensed work or commission for specific opportunities. Candidates in the Pool will be considered for a range of opportunities and will be contacted if short-listed to develop a proposal for a specific opportunity or regarding interest in a licensing opportunity. 

Q9: Are there any video installation projects with sound being considered in the future? Is it okay to submit videos that have sound? 

A9: Currently, there are no opportunities for digital displays with sound. Opportunities to exhibit digital media with sound may arise in the future as different display formats become available. Applicants are welcome to submit videos with sound for review as part of this Pool. Please note, the digital media artworks selected for display for immediate opportunities will be presented without sound. 

Q10: If commissioned, what is the stipend range for large vs small commissions? 

A10: Shortlisted artist or artist teams will be compensated for creating proposals. Commission and licensing opportunity scope will vary during the lifetime of the pool. Payment will be commensurate with the scope of the opportunity. 

Q11: What is the target amount of artists Metro hopes to work with going into these video opportunities? Also, is this Call Southern-California focused or national? 

A11: There is no target number for inclusion in this Pool. This Call is open to all local, national, and international artists at all career stages who create moving image art in the digital medium and are legally authorized to work in the United States (per U.S. Department of Labor). Note: Metro employees are ineligible. 

Q12: Are other artists, including Metro-affiliated artists, considered Professional References? Do you need contact info or a letter? 

A12: Yes, other artists are considered professional references. Each reference must be able to speak to your work as an artist. The application requires contact information for each professional reference. 

Q13: Should the application be from a single artist or it could be a collaboration of artists? 

A13: Metro Art invites artists and artist teams working in digital media to submit qualifications. 

Q14: Will the videos for the 9-array screens and the digital kiosks only be 7.5 seconds long? And what is max length of the Leimert wall? 

A14: The digital media artworks selected for display on the large-format screens at 7th Street/Metro Center and Hollywood Highland Stations, as well as the Customer Information Panels throughout the Metro system will be 7.5 seconds long. For the digital media artworks selected for display on the large-format screen at the future Leimert Park Station, durations may vary. 

Q15: Will the 7.5 secs be looped? 

A15: Video artworks selected for display on the large-format screens at 7th Street/Metro Center and Hollywood/Highland Stations, as well as the Customer Information Panels throughout the Metro system will be on rotation with other digital content which may include artwork, Metro system information and wayfinding content, and third-party digital advertising. 

Q16: May I talk to someone in the Metro offices to help me? 

A16: Questions regarding this RFQ may be submitted via email to ArtistOpportunities@metro.net. Email requests should include the subject line: Call to Artists – 2022 Artist Pool for Digital Media Opportunities. 2022 Artist Pool for Digital Media Opportunities Q&A document will be updated weekly and will be posted on metro.net/art under Art Opportunities. The last day to submit questions is Wednesday, August 17, 2022, by 5:00pm PDT and the last update to the Q&A doc will be posted on Friday, August 24, 2022, by 5:00pm PDT. Applicants can receive technical support for submissions by emailing support@slideroom.com. 

Q17: Is the artist statement more of a bio? Should we talk about the theme and concepts that are explored in our work? Or should it be more of our CV in narrative form? 

A17: Submit both an artist statement and a professional resume as part of the requested support materials listed on the RFQ. The artist statement is an opportunity for artists/artist teams to talk about the theme and concepts that are explored in your work and may include a bio. 

Q18: Should I loop together several shorter artworks to submit one artwork sample? 

A18: Regardless of artwork duration, each artwork sample submitted should represent one completed work. 

Q19: Can the submissions be still digital images (opposed to video art pieces)? 

A19: This call is open to professional artists at all career stages who create moving image art in the digital medium. 

Q20: Are there particular themes that you are excited about/considering for this and other upcoming opportunities? 

A20: We are open to a variety of themes and concepts. 

Q21: Will you give preference to LA-based artists? 

A21: All artists who successfully submit an application via Slideroom.com and meet the stated eligibility will be included in the Pool.   

Q22: Can the video stills be other video works not included in the 3-5 video files? 

A22: At least one video still should pertain to each of the video files submitted. The remainder of the video stills can represent other digital moving artworks not included in the 3-5 video files submitted. 

Q23: Will there be more open calls in the fall/winter of 2023? 

A23: Please subscribe to our Art Opportunities newsletter at this link https://metro77073.activehosted.com/f/73 and learn more about future opportunities with Metro Art. 

Q24: Are there opportunities available for photography? 

A24: Please subscribe to our Art Opportunities newsletter at this link https://metro77073.activehosted.com/f/73 and learn more about future opportunities with Metro Art. 

Q25: Do both of the artists in an artist duo need to have a US work permit, or would it be acceptable for only one of them to have it? 

A25: Metro is a public entity and will enter into contracts with entities legally authorized to work in the United States (per U.S. Department of Labor). 

Q26: Can I come to your office to talk with someone? 

A26: Applicants can receive technical support for submissions by emailing support@slideroom.com or by accessing the online help desk. Allow adequate time to familiarize yourself with the SlideRoom submittal process and to receive any needed technical support. Information submitted by mail, email, fax, hand-delivery or after the deadline will not be considered. 

Q27: Can we do AR with QR codes? 

A27: We are open to a variety of themes and concepts. 

Q28: If we are accepted into this pool and are eligible to renew our status in the pool- are we no longer allowed to apply for future Metro arts opportunities? 

A28: Inclusion in the 2022 Artist Pool for Digital Media Opportunities does not preclude artist or artist teams from applying for or being eligible for future Metro Art opportunities. We encourage you to visit metro.net/art to join our email list and learn about future opportunities. 

Q29: Do the submissions have to consist of artwork made in 2022 or can we include past work? 

A29: Artist or artist teams can include work from before 2022 in their submittals. 

Q30: I have several video & animation works that could be interesting in a shorter 7.5 second clip. Should I address that in my artist statement? 

A30: Yes. 

Q31: Who makes up the jury for this artist’s pool? 

A31: Candidates in the Pool will be considered for multiple opportunities involving a number of review panels. 

Q32: Will video works that include pre-existing films and television material be considered? 

A32: Pre-exisiting work submitted will be considered. Please note, Metro Art commissioned and licensed work should avoid promotions of specific business entities; depictions involving alcohol, smoking, violence, obscene matter, and such items that would be harmful/disruptive in the transit system; a focus on motorized vehicles; and infringement on the rights of any outside parties, including unauthorized appropriations of images and/or text (e.g. likenesses, logos, brands, etc). 

Q33: When will there be a time for photography submissions? 

A33: Please subscribe to our Art Opportunities newsletter at this link https://metro77073.activehosted.com/f/73 and learn more about future opportunities with Metro Art. 

Q34: Will you only be pulling from the pool once there is an RFP? 

A34: The 2022 Artist Pool for Digital Media Opportunities will be one of the primary methods for licensing and commissioning works of art for these specialized exhibition opportunities. Inclusion in the Pool does not guarantee an exhibition or commission. 

Q35: Would the transcript for the info session be provided for artists with audio challenges or hearing disabilities? 

A35: Closed captioning is available on the video recording of the info session posted on metro.net/art under “Opportunities.” To enable subtitles, hover your mouse on the video and click the CC icon on the lower right corner of the video screen. Once closed captions are enabled, Youtube will generate subtitles in English. 

Questions received 7/29/22 through 8/4/22:

Q36: Does that mean there will be an open call? 

A36: The 2022 Artist Pool for Digital Media Opportunities is an open call. It will be one of the primary methods for licensing and commissioning works of art for these specialized exhibition opportunities. Inclusion in the Pool does not guarantee an exhibition or commission. 

Q37: Are animated graphical scores suitable for inclusion in the Pool? Can you review examples of my work? Do you think a 7.5-second segment of my work would be suitable for your series? 

A37: All genres of digital moving image art, including animation, are suitable for inclusion in the Pool. Metro Art will review all samples of work that are submitted as part of the application materials on slideroom.com. The minimum duration for media selected from the Pool for display is 7.5-seconds. 

Q38: Most of my clients have retired and may not be able to be professional references per the submission guidelines. I also have not shown publicly but my artworks are on my website and in my clients’ collections. Could I still be eligible for the Pool if I do not submit professional references or an exhibition history? 

A38: Professional references are required as part of the application materials, and may include employers, clients, advisors, teachers and/or mentors who can speak about your work as an artist, including people who are retired. Professional references do not necessarily have to be in the art industry. This call is open to professional artists at all career stages who create moving image art in the digital medium. An exhibition history can include many things such as art in both major museums and smaller galleries, interpretive exhibitions and also varieties such as more commercially focused exhibitions and trade fairs.

Q39: I am an international artist who currently resides in Europe. I have a B1/B2 Visa that allows me to do business trips in the US. Am I eligible for the 2022 Artist Pool for Digital Media Opportunities Open Call? 

A39: Metro is a public entity and will enter into contracts with entities legally authorized to work in the United States (per U.S. Department of Labor). 

Questions received 8/12/22 through 8/18/22:

Q40: I’m sending this email to express whether I should submit my portraits of homeless riders or is that inappropriate?

A40: Do note any commissions or licensing agreements with Metro will specify that artists may not infringe upon the rights of any third parties. This includes portrait subjects. Please be certain anything submitted for consideration meets these requirements.

Q41: Is the format for this submission only video?

A41: This call is for moving image art and may include video, animation, stop-motion, experimental film, artistic performance documentation, and other forms of digital media artwork. Acceptable file formats for Slideroom.com submissions are .mp4, .MOV, as well as Vimeo and Youtube links.

Q42: Are you playing LA musician’s Music/Recordings on digital screens?

A42: This call is for moving image visual art and may include video, animation, stop-motion, experimental film, artistic performance documentation, and other forms of digital media artwork. Currently, there are no opportunities for digital displays with sound. Opportunities to exhibit digital media with sound may arise in the future as different display formats become available. Applicants are welcome to submit videos with sound for review as part of this Pool. Please note, the digital media artworks selected for display for immediate opportunities will be presented without sound.

Q43: I know submitted videos have a 250MB limit, is there a size/time limit for videos submitted from Vimeo? Do video stills have to be exact screenshots/stills from the videos themselves? We have lots of separate photography taken from the performances we feature in our videos, and we were wondering if we could submit those instead of or alongside video screenshots.

A43: For materials submitted for the 2022 Artist Pool for Digital Media Opportunities, each video file should not exceed a file size of 250 MB, regardless of duration. Please note, the panel may only review approximately the first minute of each video submission.

At least one video still should pertain to each of the video files submitted. The remainder of the video stills can represent other digital moving artworks not included in the 3-5 video files submitted.

Q44: I am currently out of the country and won’t return to the US until the end of September. I do not have my applicable media files with me in order to create/upload an application by 8/31.

Will there be another round of this Call to media artists? Or is there potential to submit materials in the fall after I return?

A44: The extended deadline for applications for the 2022 Artist Pool for Digital Media Opportunities is September 14 at 11:59 pm PDT. This Pool will remain active for a minimum of two (2) years with the option to renew for up to two (2) additional years. Additional opportunities for digital media artists to apply for a Metro Art Pool may arise in the future.

Q45: Instructions stipulate use of slideroom.com. Typically I use CafE for calls. In attempting to register with Slideroom I am having obstacles as I am no longer affiliated with an educational institution. Is my only recourse to submit via snail mail? If so, is media acceptable on a thumb drive?

A45: A reminder that you can submit your materials by utilizing the Slideroom link provided on the 2022 Artists Pool for Digital Media Opportunities page. Registration for Slideroom should not require being affiliated with an educational institution. Information and support materials must be submitted through Slideroom.com which includes three (3) to five (5) video files and related descriptions with up to ten (10) accompanying video stills, an artist statement, a professional resume and professional references.

Applicants can receive technical support for submissions by emailing support@slideroom.com or by accessing the online help desk.

Information submitted by mail, email, fax, hand-delivery or after the deadline will not be considered. Incomplete submittals and submittals that do not meet the eligibility requirements will not be evaluated.

Q46: Regarding the video still frames. How do I include them if I’m linking to my work on my Vimeo channel? Would still images still be required?

A46: Up to ten (10) accompanying video stills are required as part of the application materials. The Slideroom application includes a section for uploading video stills. A preview of the application is available on Slideroom. Applicants can receive technical support for submissions by emailing support@slideroom.com or by accessing the online help desk. Incomplete submittals and submittals that do not meet the eligibility requirements will not be evaluated.

Questions received 8/19/22 through 8/25/22:

Q47: Would this opportunity be good for music videos? 

A47: This call is for moving image visual art and may include video, animation, stop-motion, experimental film, artistic performance documentation, and other forms of digital media artwork. Currently, there are no opportunities for digital displays with sound. Opportunities to exhibit digital media with sound may arise in the future as different display formats become available. Applicants are welcome to submit videos with sound for review as part of this Pool. Please note, the digital media artworks selected for display for immediate opportunities will be presented without sound. 

Q48: You stated that each of those video samples submitted (min 3 and max 5) cannot exceed 250mb, and that, regardless of their length, the committee might limit watching only the first minute of each sample. If we have a short film that is several minutes long, is it ok to submit clips of it in more than one video? Or each video sample should only be a sample of one completed work only? 

A48: Please format and submit samples in a manner which best supports your body of work. 

Q49: Can Canadian artists apply to the digital media proposal? 

A49: As a reminder, this call is open to professional artists at all career stages who create moving image art in the digital medium and are legally authorized to work in the United States (per U.S. Department of Labor). Metro employees are ineligible. The U.S. Department of Labor has the most up-to-date information about authorization to work in the United States https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/hiring/foreign 

Q50: For the September 14th deadline, do we have to submit qualifications, including samples of completed original moving image art? Or also a site specific proposal for current opportunities (future Leimert Park Station and 7th street/ Metro Center Station and Hollywood/Highland Station)? 

A50: For the 2022 Artist Pool for Digital Media Opportunities, please submit qualifications, including samples of completed moving image art. Candidates in the Pool will be considered for a range of opportunities and will be contacted if short-listed to develop a proposal for a specific opportunity or regarding interest in a licensing opportunity. Artists will be compensated if asked to develop a proposal. 

Q51: I am a video artist who has recently been collaborating with a painter to turn her paintings into moving image artworks. We have had different public art commissions. Can I submit two applications – one application for my video artworks and one for our collaboration 

A51: If your work as an individual artist is distinct from your work as a collaborative team, two different applications may be submitted.