Launched in 2022, the inaugural Metro Art: Digital Shorts series showcases video art and animation on large-format, digital screen arrays at 7th St/Metro Center and Hollywood/ Highland Stations. This new moving image art program is for riders provides a visual interlude between Metro informational content and advertising on the screens, and is one example of an opportunity available to artists who apply to the 2022 Artist Pool for Digital Media Opportunities.

Request for Qualifications (RFQ)  

DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31 at 5:00 pm (PDT) 11:59 pm (PDT) WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 at 11:59 pm (PDT) via Slideroom

 

In 2019, Metro introduced digital displays in rail stations that included dedicated space for public art. Since that time, public art programming opportunities on digital displays throughout the transit system has increased, enhancing these transit spaces with dynamic moving image art. Metro Art is now establishing the 2022 Artist Pool for Digital Media specifically for these specialized public art programming opportunities.

Opportunity

Metro Art invites artists and artist teams working in digital media to submit qualifications, including samples of completed original moving image art, for the 2022 Artist Pool for Digital Media Opportunities. Artists that meet the eligibility listed below and successfully submit to the Pool will be considered for future temporary exhibition opportunities on digital screens at several locations throughout the Metro system.  

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. The Pool will remain active for a minimum of two (2) years with the option to renew for up to two (2) additional years. Inclusion in the Pool does not guarantee an exhibition or commission. 

Background 

In 2019, Metro introduced digital displays in rail stations that included dedicated space for public art. Since that time, public art programming opportunities on digital displays throughout the transit system has increased, enhancing these transit spaces with dynamic moving image art. Metro Art is now establishing an Artist Pool for Digital Media specifically for these specialized public art programming opportunities, which may include licensed or commissioned video, animation, stop-motion, experimental film, artistic performance documentation, and other forms of digital media artwork. The intent of these temporary exhibitions is to engage transit riders, contribute to an improved customer experience, and communicate broadly about themes relevant to Los Angeles, Metro ridership, the neighborhoods surrounding the transit lines, transportation, commuting, and/or movement and travel.

Upcoming opportunities include, but are not limited to: a digital screen at the future Leimert Park Station on the K Line (Crenshaw/LAX); digital screen arrays at the 7th Street/Metro Center Station and Hollywood/Highland Stations; and new digital customer information panels to be installed at several rail stations.

Metro Art enhances the customer experience with innovative, award-winning visual and performing arts programming that encourages ridership and connects people, sites, and neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles County. Metro Art directs all arts and cultural programs integrated into Metro projects and on Metro property and is the lead for all agency non-Metro property arts and cultural initiatives.

Eligibility 

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.

Current Opportunities 

The specifications listed below are for current projects. Eligible submissions to this Pool may be considered for additional forthcoming opportunities to present in various video formats.  

Large Format Screens in Select Locations 

• Future Leimert Park Station  

• • Video artworks will be on rotating display on a 133.9 x 238-inch (height x width) digital screen, 3840 x 2160 pixels (horizontal x vertical) resolution, in landscape format, with a 16:9 aspect ratio  
  • Video artwork durations may vary, and will be displayed without sound 
  • Due to the location of the screen, preference will be given to non-narrative artworks 
  • The inaugural group of video artworks will be displayed in late 2022 
  • Artists who are based in and/or connected to neighborhoods surrounding the K Line Stations are highly encouraged to apply. Applicants will be asked to identify neighborhoods with which they are connected in the application form. 
  • Learn more about the K Line (Crenshaw / LAX) Transit Art Program.

• 7th Street/Metro Center Station and Hollywood/Highland Station 

• • Video artworks will be on rotation with other digital content which may include artwork, Metro system information and wayfinding content, and third-party digital advertising 
  • Video artworks will be displayed in 7.5-second sequences without sound on an 80.5 x 143-inch (height x width) digital screen, 3840 x 2160 pixels (horizontal x vertical) resolution, with a 16:9 aspect ratio 

Customer Information Panels in Metro Stations 

• Video artworks will be on rotation with other digital content which may include digital artwork, digital Metro informational content (may include interactive capabilities), and third-party digital advertising 
• Video artworks will be displayed in 7.5-second sequences on a 35.72 x 26.79-inch (height x width) screen, 1440 x 1080 pixels (horizontal x vertical) resolution, in portrait format, with a 4:3 aspect ratio 
• Video artworks may be displayed without sound  

Review Process 

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

Project-Specific Evaluation Criteria 

Project specific evaluation criteria will vary depending on the experience and skills required for future opportunities, and may include:

• Artistic Merit as evidenced by submitted digital videos:
  • Originality of concept and artistic merit (mastery of techniques and demonstration of formal aesthetic qualities) 
  • Appropriateness of the proposal for the digital display exhibition space, Metro transit environment, and neighborhoods served by Metro 

• Professional Recognition as evidenced by submitted artist statement and resume:
  • Education and training as an artist
  • Exhibition record and/or screenings in public, non-profit and alternative art spaces, as well as museums, and/or art galleries
  • Public or private art commissions
  • Awards, fellowships, artist-in-residencies, acclaimed critical response or other acknowledgements demonstrating professional practice 

Submission Process and Application Materials  

• 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. 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.
• 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.
• Incomplete submittals and submittals that do not meet the eligibility requirements will not be evaluated. 

Information Session

An information session for interested artists will be held on July 14, 2022 at 12 pm (PDT) via Zoom. The information session will be recorded, and the recording will be posted on metro.net/art under Art Opportunities.

UPDATED 8/12 – >> Watch the Recording Here

Metro Art Commissions 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).

All information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract and these provisions are subject to change. Metro reserves the right to award all, some or no public art commissions or license agreements for this opportunity.

Questions

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 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  Wednesday, September 7 by 5:00 pm (PDT) and the last update to the Q&A doc will be posted on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 by 5:00 pm (PDT) Friday, September 9 at 5:00 pm (PDT).