DOT Art Program

• Creates more inviting public spaces for walking, resting, and gathering
• Activates public spaces with functional and participatory artwork that encourages physical activity and healthier lifestyles
• Builds and strengthens community partnerships through public engagement
• Generates unique and distinctive public spaces that build neighborhood character
• Provides broader access to the arts citywide by targeting art installations in historically underserved communities
• Provides opportunities for artists to showcase their creativity and unique abilities

• Organizations and professional artists regardless of residence may apply in response to open calls released throughout the year
• Artists must demonstrate proficiency in the proposed medium, have exhibited in the public or private realm, and have participated in community-based projects
• Organizations must have experience planning exhibitions, public art projects, or public programming, a connection to the proposed site, and the ability to monitor and maintain the artwork
• Funding is available for some initiatives but is not guaranteed
• Organizations and artists are only eligible to receive one commission per fiscal year
• All sculptures must be reviewed by a NY-State licensed engineer
• For information regarding permanent art commissions, visit DCLA's website

• Sites must be owned and maintained by DOT, located in close proximity to public transportation, adjacent to a mixed-use corridor, accessible to a diverse audience, and large enough to accommodate artwork
• Priority sites are identified for art by elected officials, community stakeholders, and DOT Borough Commissioners’ Offices and Operating Units
• Application Deadline
• o Read the Request for Proposals/Qualifications carefully and complete the full application by the listed deadline or, if a rolling deadline, a minimum of 90 days in advance of the proposed installation date
• o Organizations or fellow city agencies interested in presenting multiple art installations as part of a festival or event should email arts@dot.nyc.gov to ensure the project deadline is attainable
• Applications are reviewed by DOT's Art Advisory Committee, comprised of outside arts professionals representing different boroughs and areas of expertise; see the DOT Art website for a current list of committee members
• Applications are evaluated based on public safety, artistic merit, organizational capacity, site suitability, and artwork durability
• Applicants are notified of selection within a maximum of two months from submission
• Projects are implemented within a maximum of four months after approval of an application for murals and within 12 months for sculptures
• Artists receive copyright of the final design and artwork, but must extend the right to use any depiction of the artwork for non-commercial purposes to the city
• Organizations and artists must sign a legal agreement, and organizations must hold commercial general liability insurance in the amount of $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate limit naming the City of New York as an additional insured
• DOT provides the necessary permits to install artwork on city-owned property
• Organizations and/or artists are responsible for obtaining any additional permits required by the DOT Office of Construction Mitigation and Coordination (OCMC)
• All questions should be directed to arts@dot.nyc.gov

• Review the list of priority sites closely or the Site Selection Guide when suggesting a site, and visit the proposed site in advance of applying
• Review past public art installations on the DOT Flickr page
• Organizations and artists should email arts@dot.nyc.gov to confirm ownership of the proposed site in advance of applying
• Proposed artwork should be well-developed, demonstrating artistic excellence; should be appropriate for the public realm; should consider the social, historical, architectural, geographical, and/or cultural context of the site; should suit the site based on size, scale, and form; should not introduce any public safety hazards; should be fabricated out of durable materials to withstand outdoor weather conditions; and should be carefully planned ensuring sound fabrication and installation
• All proposals must be unique and original and not infringe on any copyright

"Street Cathedral" by Claudia Ravashiere and Michael Moss in partnership with the Hudson Square Business Improvement District: Varick Street and Downing Street, Manhattan

"Ascension" by Jordan Baker-Caldwell in partnership with the Hudson Yards/Hell’s Kitchen Alliance: W 36th Street and Ninth Avenue, Manhattan