Press Releases
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2024
Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov
NYC DOT Seeking Artists to Create Five Public Artworks Across the Five Boroughs
Artists are invited to submit public art proposals by Sunday, June 30, at 11:59 p.m.
Selected artists will design and install temporary public art on NYC DOT infrastructure in collaboration with community-based partners
NEW YORK – New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced today a call for artists to create temporary public artwork in each of the five boroughs. The agency is conducting the search through a new Community Commissions: Artists Request for Proposals (RFP), a signature NYC DOT Art initiative in which the agency collaborates with community-based organizations to commission artists to design and install temporary, site-responsive public art on NYC DOT infrastructure, including medians, triangles, sidewalks, and asphalt. The agency may provide up to $20,000 to selected artists for production of artwork and other project-related costs. The RFP is open through June 30, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
"Public art inspires New Yorkers and beautifies our streetscape, and there's no better way to amplify and support the mission of these local organizations than collaborating to make our public spaces more vibrant," said NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "We encourage all local artists to apply for this unique funding opportunity to produce artwork in their neighborhoods."
NYC DOT is partnering with community-based organizations that will participate throughout all phases of project development, including artist selection, design evolution, community engagement and outreach, fabrication, installation, maintenance, and other project related tasks.
NYC DOT will display artworks for up to 11 months at designated community sites and is interested in proposals for sculptural or two-dimensional work. Artists are invited to propose site-responsive design and installation plans via the Community Commissions: Artists Request for Proposals on Submittable for the following priority sites and partner list:
Bronx
Partner Organization: Concourse House, Home for Women and Their Children
Site: Sidewalk at Grand Concourse and East Fordham Road
Brooklyn
Partner Organization: I AM Caribbeing
Site: Pedestrian space at Washington Avenue and Empire Boulevard
Manhattan
Partner Organization: West Harlem Art Fund
Site: Sidewalk median located at Lenox Avenue and 124th Street
Queens
Partner: Rubin Museum of Art
Site: Diversity Plaza at Roosevelt Avenue and Broadway
Staten Island
Partner: On Your Mark
Site: Corson Avenue and Victory Boulevard
These community-based organizations were selected from a 2023 RFP for their mission and vision in welcoming art that celebrates their communities.
Learn More at Upcoming Webinar
Join NYC DOT Art for a webinar on June 5, 2024, at 12 p.m. to learn about this RFP. This webinar will review the open call for artists to create site-specific, temporary public art in NYC. NYC DOT Art will introduce the partner organizations, discuss the five installation sites (one in each borough), and review the application process. Please register via Zoom.
About NYC DOT Art
New York City Department of Transportation Art (NYC DOT Art) partners with community-based not-for-profit organizations and professional artists to display temporary public art on NYC DOT property throughout the five boroughs for up to 11 months. Artists transform streets with colorful murals, dynamic projections, and eye-catching sculptures. A variety of public spaces serve as canvases for temporary arts, including sidewalks, fences, triangles, medians, bridges, jersey barriers, step streets, public plazas, and pedestrianized spaces. Since 2008, NYC DOT Art has produced 450 temporary artworks citywide. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/dotart and @nyc_DOTArt.
"The Rubin is excited to partner with NYC DOT Art and an artist to create public artwork in Jackson Heights," says Jorrit Britschgi, executive director of the Rubin Museum. "As we explore innovative ways to share art outside our walls, this is an important opportunity to make art more accessible and celebrate the rich culture of this diverse neighborhood."
"The West Harlem Art Fund is thrilled to participate in this signature program," said Savona Bailey-McClain, executive director and chief curator of the West Harlem Art Fund. "For 26 years, our organization has presented fine art throughout NYC in open, public spaces."
"I AM Caribbeing is thrilled and grateful to partner with NYC DOT for Community Commissions," said Shelley V. Worrell, founder and cultural entrepreneur at I AM Caribbeing. "This vibrant art installation will be located adjacent to Caribbean-American communities, small businesses, and culturally iconic landmarks, showcasing the rich heritage and diversity of the area. This collaborative effort will not only beautify the area but also foster community pride, cultural exchange, and economic growth."
"On Your Mark is looking forward to this partnership to create public art that serves as an extension of our community-based programs and beautifies the area creating a clean, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing area to benefit program participants," said Joseph DeVivo, LCSW-R, deputy executive director at On Your Mark. "Through this collaboration, we can envision a vibrant hub fostering creativity and social inclusion among individuals of all backgrounds."
"Building community partnerships outside of the shelter with our public arts program has been transformative in fostering a sense of belonging and self-expression for our mothers at Concourse House," said Jess Rolls, arts program curator at Concourse House. "We are excited to partner with NYC DOT and integrate the new public art commission into our neighborhood arts programming at Concourse House."