Recognizing that public art can have a significant beneficial impact on the transportation system and the communities that it serves, NJ TRANSIT (NJT) initiated a Transit Arts Program in June 1994. The Transit Arts Program identifies opportunities for public art to be integrated into the system and establishes a process for artist selection and art fabrication.  As part of the process for this project, a Transit Arts Committee (TAC) is established to facilitate opportunities for art that inform, influence, and enhance all aspects of the rail station.  

The TAC consists of members representing the NJT Project Team, the NJ State Council on the Arts, and representatives from the community. TAC discussions, during the design process, include the identification of potential locations and materials that would integrate art within the context of the station architecture. 

Newark Penn Station (NPS) Modernization Project 

Located in the heart of Newark, New Jersey, the Station is a critical gateway for travel within the state, to neighboring states, as well as to international destinations. As an intermodal center for bus, rail, and light rail and as a major transfer location for a significant number of rail lines that are part of NJ TRANSIT’s rail service with direct access to Newark Liberty International Airport, it plays a vital role in the biggest city in New Jersey. The station building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is undeniably connected to Newark’s identity. 

The Modernization Project is expected to highlight the preservation and celebration of the station’s historic features in a way that will also cement its role as a driving economic asset to the City of Newark and New Jersey. The master plan will ensure that the station meets the modern-day expectations of both customers passing through the station, as well as those of residents and businesses in the area. Through this planning process, NJ TRANSIT expects to address issues such as future transportation needs, station access and connectivity, and climate change challenges associated with the station and the surrounding neighborhood.  

Locations for Arts Inclusion 

The locations for the art are identified at the Platform H level (two separate spaces), on the skylight panels. 

NJ TRANSIT is seeking one (1) artist to design, fabricate, and install the mural on the glazing. Preferably using a permanent, vinyl material.  

The materials selected shall be sustainable and should require minimal maintenance and upkeep. They should also be appropriate for a public setting. 

Please refer to the photos and architectural drawings for reference of the location and placement of the mural. Click "View Site Details" above.

Arts Inclusion Project Budget 

The total proposed budget for the art inclusion is $100,000.00. Each individual proposed budget is the following:  

The budget shall cover all costs incurred by the artist relating to the design, fabrication and installation of the artwork.  Covered expenses include but shall not be limited to compensation for design fees, engineering services, storage and submission of digital art files for approvals, materials, fabrication, transportation of artwork, required safety training, equipment rentals, installation, assistants, etc. 

The selected artist will be required to complete NJT Rail Safety Training and/or Amtrak Rail Safety training. Both are online training courses, with a nominal registration fee. 

Three finalists will be selected to make full proposals to the selection committee; each finalist will be paid a $1000 stipend for the proposal preparation and presentation.  

Application Requirements

Anticipated Process 

Potential artists will be selected from those who submit expressions of interest via this call. Please do not submit project proposals at this time, shortlisted artist finalists will receive a request for proposal (RFP) to respond to which will establish their ability to approach the project in the art medium specified. The committee will rate each artist finalist and their proposal based on the following criteria. 

• Artistic quality of proposed artwork.
• Appropriateness of proposed artwork to the site and objective of the project.
• Permanence, durability, maintainability and use of high-quality materials.
• Absence of hazards to the public.
• Recommended measures to protect against vandalism.
• Innovation in use of materials and techniques.
• Willingness of the artist to carry out the project in coordination with the project team or any ongoing/pending construction by NJ TRANSIT.
• Ability of the artist to create and install the artwork within the established timeframe.
• Fabrication price within budget constraints.

Submission Requirements for this Call: 

Artists interested in participating in the project shall submit the following: 

• Letters summarizing their interest and experience in the creation of public artworks
• Three (3) references (name, contact information – phone number and e-mail address) preferably for similar projects.
• Current resume
• Work samples (images and/or video) (minimum: 4, maximum: 6) preferably demonstrating completed work for similar projects.

Any materials submitted will not be returned.  Please do not send or deliver any materials. Interested artists must submit materials through the Café system at www.callforentry.org. Submissions will not be reviewed nor accepted through any other method. 

Schedule 

Closing Deadline: May 13th, 2024 

Jury/Panel Review Begins: May 15th, 2024. 

Jury/Panel Review End: June 10th, 2024 

Notification of Finalists: No later than July 1st, 2024 (artists prepare project specific presentations between 7/1/2024 - 8/19/2024) 

Finalist Presentations (in person): Between August 20, 2024 and August 30, 2024 

Notification of Selected Artists: No later than September 6, 2024 

Notice to Proceed (NTP): September 20, 2024 

Project Installation: No later than December 2, 2024 

It is anticipated that the artists shall provide periodic updates as to the progress of the design and fabrication of the art. Installation must be coordinated with NJ TRANSIT.  

(All dates except the completion date are subject to change) 

Eligibility Criteria

All interested artists must live within 150 miles of the border of New Jersey and be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for this opportunity. If selected for the commission, the artist must provide proof of this eligibility. 

The selected artist will additionally need to receive Rail Safety Training before beginning work on-site. NJ TRANSIT will provide more information and guidance regarding this requirement. 

Questions?     

Technical assistance using CAFÉ is available at:  https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/    

Please use CAFÉ help resources for assistance setting up a CAFÉ account, and submitting through the CAFÉ platform.  

Please do not apply to this call if you do not meet the eligibility criteria. Eligibility will be verified. No jurors will review ineligible submissions. 

Please direct any other questions regarding this opportunity to the New Jersey State Council on the Arts: 

Danielle Bursk, Director of Community Partnerships and Artist Services  

Danielle.bursk@sos.nj.gov 

or  

Steph Nerbak, Artist Services Manager 

Stephanie.nerbak@sos.nj.gov