Public Artists in Residence

Public Artists in Residence (PAIR) is a municipal residency program that embeds artists in city government to propose and implement creative solutions to pressing civic challenges. Launched in the fall of 2015, PAIR takes its inspiration and its name from the pioneering work of artist Mierle Laderman Ukeles, the first official (unsalaried) artist-in-residence with the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), 1977 – present.

PAIR is based on the premise that artists are creative problem-solvers. They are able to create long-term and lasting impact by working collaboratively and in open-ended processes to build community bonds, open channels for two-way dialogue, and reimagine realities to create new possibilities for those who experience and participate in the work.

Through a series of conversations, DCLA and a partner City Agency decide on a broad population, challenge, and/or goal the partner agency wishes to focus on. With Commissioner-level support, DCLA issues an open call for artists or recommends artists based on artistic excellence and demonstrated knowledge of the particular social issues addressed in the residency. The final artist selection is made in partnership with both agencies.

Each PAIR is a minimum of one year. The residency begins with a research phase, during which the artist spends time at the agency meeting staff and learning about its operations and initiatives while also introducing their art practice and process to agency staff. The research phase concludes with a proposal from the artist outlining one or more public-facing participatory projects that will be implemented in partnership with the agency. Artists receive a fee, as well as in-kind resources such as desk space with the partner agency, an access to DCLA’s Materials for the Arts.

The PAIR program is made possible by funds from the City of New York with occasional, residency-specific support provided by private philanthropic sources.

2022 PAIR OPEN CALL
Cultural Affairs is currently seeking a Public Artists in Residence for each of the following four agencies:

• Department of Design and Construction
• Department of Homeless Services
• NYC Health + Hospitals
• Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes

Selected artists will have demonstrated experience in socially engaged art or collaborative art practice addressing social and political issues relevant to the hosting city agency.

Artists working in all media are welcome to apply.

View the PAIR application page on Submittable.com for more information, guidelines, and eligibility. The deadline to apply is 11:59pm on Friday, July 22, 2022.

If you still have questions after reviewing the open call and guidelines, read the PAIR FAQs.

Still have questions? Email PAIR@culture.nyc.gov