Request for Expressions of Interest: Chinatown Connections - Chinatown Welcome Gateway

“Chinatown Connections is a three-part public realm improvement project designed to celebrate the cultural heritage of Manhattan’s Chinatown, improve multimodal circulation in the area, and support local businesses. Alongside beautifying Park Row and reimagining Kimlau Square, the City plans to build a Chinatown Welcome Gateway in the vicinity of the redesigned square to help showcase one of the most historic districts in New York City. Chinatown Connections merges the $11.5 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) award from the New York State Department of State with $44.3 million in New York City Capital to deliver these public realm improvements.

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (“NYCEDC”) is leading Chinatown Connections in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation (“NYCDOT”). NYCEDC has procured Marvel as the Design Team Project Lead to oversee the reconfiguration of Kimlau Square and the creation of a Chinatown Welcome Gateway. The development of the Welcome Gateway will be led by an Artist to form part of the Design Team, collaborating on an overall vision aligned with the scheme of the proposed design. The artist should show a meaningful connection with the Chinatown community through personal or professional ties, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the neighborhood‘s cultural, social, and historical context.”

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Level of artistic professionalism and demonstrated artistic practice
• Ability to collaborate with a design team

Application Instructions

https://nyculture.submittable.com/submit

Application includes interest statement, artist approach, artist statement, artist bio, resume or CV, work samples. Importantly, “artists do not enter the process with a preconceived proposal.”