NYCDOT Arterventions 2021-2022

The New York City Department of Transportation’s (“NYCDOT”) Art & Event Programming Unit (“DOT Art”), of the DOT Office of Special Events, commissions and oversees the installation of temporary public artwork on DOT property throughout the five boroughs. DOT Art’s Temporary Art Program partners with community-based organizations and artists to transform the City’s streets into canvases for art.

DOT Art presents temporary murals, sculptures and projections across NYCDOT sidewalks, fences, triangles, medians, bridges, jersey barriers, step streets, public plazas and pedestrianized spaces throughout the City. Over the past twelve years, DOT Art has installed over 300 engaging temporary art installations citywide. These dynamic installations create attractive corridors and activate public space for New Yorkers and visitors alike.

As part of the Arterventions program, DOT Art invites arts and community-based organizations, galleries and business improvement districts to request the necessary permits in collaboration with professional artists to commission artwork or relocate existing artwork currently on exhibit in a gallery, alternative art space or in a storage facility to NYCDOT-owned sites.

Artwork typically remains on display for three to six months with a maximum period of eleven months. However, for many of the sites, the maximum display period is one month given other special events and activities organized by local maintenance partners. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year to provide flexibility and to expedite installation. Partner organizations or artists are responsible for funding Arterventions projects, which are typically organized as part of an exhibition, festival or citywide event.

NYCDOT accepts Arterventions proposals on a rolling basis throughout the year. Interested partner organizations and artists are required to submit a joint application.

All applicants must submit renderings and photographs of the proposed site and artwork, as well as a site plan for consideration.

Requirements

NYCDOT must receive a full application 90 days in advance of the proposed installation date. DOT Art staff, the artist, a representative from the partner organization and other NYCDOT staff make up the project team. Prior to installation, the project team meets to finalize a project schedule, review the engineering assessment and sign the legal agreement. The partner organization is responsible for:
1) hiring a NYS licensed engineer to prepare a signed and sealed technical report;
2) overseeing transportation and installation of the artwork;
3) maintaining the artwork during the display period;
4) removing the artwork upon completion of the display period; and
5) restoring the site to its original condition upon completion of the removal period.

All selected applicants must sign a legal agreement with NYCDOT and provide a certificate of insurance naming the City as an additional insured. NYCDOT provides the necessary permits to install on City-owned property. As per the agreement, the artist receives credit, sole ownership, and copyright of the artwork, but is required to extend to the City the right to a royaltyfree, perpetual license to use any depiction of the artwork for non-commercial purposes.

• Arterventions Application Form;
• No more than 3 site photographs in jpeg format (resolution of 72 to 150 dpi);
• No more than 4 project renderings that represent the artwork to be presented at the proposed site (include: sketches, site plan, and Photoshop renderings);
• If submitting an existing artwork for review, no more than 4 photographs of proposed artwork in jpeg format (resolution of 72 to 150 dpi) and associated image list that includes: title, date of completion, medium, dimensions, location, sale price or commission budget, description of artwork, and list of partners;
• No more than 4 photographs of past artwork examples in jpeg format (resolution 72 to 150 dpi) and associated image list that includes: title, date of completion, medium, dimensions, location, sale price or commission buget, description of artwork, and list of partners;
• Artist curriculum vitae;
• Organization support letter; and
• Funding commitment letter (include list of secured and anticipated funders).

Application Instructions

All application materials should be mailed to:
Attn: Emily Colasacco, DOT Art & Event Programming Director
NYC Department of Transportation, Office of Special Events
55 Water Street, 9th Fl, NY, NY 10041

All inquiries regarding Arterventions should be sent to: arts@dot.nyc.gov