Call for Artists: 7 Locations for Public Art on Private Property Along the Gowanus Canal Esplanade

This Open Call seeks artists for seven sites: Five public artworks at Nevins Landing North and Nevins Landing South (aka 300 Nevins Street) with a budget of between $75,000 and $400,000 for each work of art is under development by Charney Companies and Tavros Holdings. Two public artworks at 267 Bond Street with a budget of between $100,000 and $150,000 for each work of art is under development by PMG.

The goal of this call is to identify artists interested in and capable of creating culturally meaningful sculptural works in the newly created Waterfront Public Access Areas (WPAA) and other potential locations within the Gowanus Neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY.The public art installed in the Gowanus neighborhood should relate in a creative manner to an aspect of the neighborhood’s history, culture and geography in order to inform and enhance the public’s experience. Further, the intent is that through the process defined in this document, artists will be linked to private property owners who will select the short list of artists, underwrite the provisioning of a more detailed Request for Proposals (RFP) and then underwrite the selected works through final design, fabrication, and installation.

Administration:
The selection process will be coordinated and led by Arts Gowanus, collaboratively with the Gowanus Neighborhood Art Advisory Committee (GNAAC) and the Gowanus Oversight Taskforce (GOTF).

Rendering View the forthcoming Gowanus Canal Esplanade at 300 Nevins Street. Image Courtesy of Fogarty Finger
Arts Gowanus is a nonprofit organization working to support, promote, and advocate for local artists and a sustainable arts community in Brooklyn. It nurtures relationships among individual artists, arts organizations, local businesses, and the community. The organization produces open studio events, professional development workshops, public art works, artistic collaborations and exhibitions. Its mission is to ensure artists remain a crucial part of the neighborhood and its identity. Arts Gowanus believes that supporting the diverse creativity of local artists contributes to the singularly vibrant cultural life and energy of New York City and that it is critical not only for the artists, but also our society that the arts continue to thrive in Gowanus. We are committed to utilizing art as a catalyst to build deeper community relationships and a more equitable neighborhood.

Requirements

Individual professional artist or artist teams who demonstrate the ability to complete a project of this scope may apply.
* Artist and all members of an artist team must be at least 18-years-old and be permitted to work in the United States.
* Artists that live and/or work in New York State or have created a significant public work of art in Brooklyn, NY within the past 5 years are preferred but local residency is not a requirement.
* Artists from underserved backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
* If artists choose to submit material as a team - one member of the team must be designated as the lead and this role may not change if selected for the short-list. Team changes after the short list is declared must be approved by the Review Panel.
* Artists must demonstrate a strong understanding of and passion for the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn.
* The artwork and all major components must be manufactured in the United States.
* Artists who live and/or work in the Greater Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions

Artists who would like to be considered for a commission must submit responses on this webpage by July 22, 2024 at 11:59pm EDT.

Apply online.