Accessibility Info
Temporary Public Outdoor Art Guidelines
The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation has consistently fostered the creation and installation of temporary public art in parks throughout the five boroughs. Through collaborations with arts organizations and artists, hundreds of temporary artworks have been exhibited in City parks since 1967. A list of recent temporary public art projects is available online.
Projects range from international exhibitions to local, community works and may be displayed in prominent flagship parks, neighborhood parks and playgrounds, and traffic islands. Installations may last from two weeks to one year, typically remaining on view for three to six months. Exhibitions of shorter duration (two weeks or less) are classified as public events and will be overseen by Parks’ borough offices. Please note, there are separate procedures for mural projects.
Application Process
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit materials at least six months prior to the intended installation date to allow time for proposal review and project development. Artists and organizations outside New York City may apply, but please be aware that the artist or sponsoring organizations is required to be present for site visits, community board meetings, installation, maintenance and removal of artwork.
A departmental panel, including the Commissioner of Parks & Recreation or his representative, reviews proposals. Issues of particular concern to Parks include safety and durability of the artwork, and its suitability to the site. Following the approval of a proposal, a license agreement is issued to the artist and/or sponsoring organization. For many projects, depending on the scope, it may be necessary to obtain the approval of the local community board. There is no deadline for submitting proposals. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
The artist and/or sponsoring organization is responsible for FUNDING, INSTALLATION, INSURANCE, MAINTENANCE, TIMELY REMOVAL of the artwork, and RESTORATION OF THE SITE.
Submission Requirements
- A written description of proposed artwork, including: medium, dimensions (Height x Width x Depth and weight), installation method, and anchoring procedure.
- If proposing existing work: Photographs or slides of artwork; include reference to human scale.
- If proposing new work: Working drawings and/or photo of maquette to scale. Include dimensions.
- Artist's statement
- Artist's resume
- Installation budget, including a description of the sponsoring organization or other method of financing. Include the name, address and phone number of the contact person.
- Proposed duration of the exhibition (no longer than one year).
- The location of specific site(s) for the installation and the reasoning leading to the specific site(s) choice OR general description of the type of environment for which the installation is designed.
- Up to ten prints of the artist's previous work. All pictures must be clearly labeled with the name of the artist, title of work, media and dimensions (HxWxD).
nclude a self-addressed stamped envelope if you request that proposal materials be returned to you. Send proposals to:
Public Art Coordinator
City of New York, Parks & Recreation
The Arsenal, Central Park, Rm. 20
New York, NY 10065
Phone: (212) 360-8163
Email: artandantiquities@parks.nyc.gov
