The 2010 deadline for submissions to In the Public Realm has now passed.

The below information is for reference only. Please check back as guidelines for submitting to In the Public Realm are updated and revised for 2011.

Thank you.




Open Call for New York-Based Emerging Artists.

In the Public Realm is a Public Art Fund (PAF) program designed to champion innovative public art projects by New York-based emerging artists. Artists selected will develop proposals, consult with PAF to shape their project, and ultimately realize their work in one of New York City’s five boroughs. Artists are encouraged to submit an application that considers how to translate his or her specific studio practice and interests into a new public artwork. Previous experience working in public spaces is not necessary.

Artists previously commissioned through In the Public Realm include:
David Altmejd • assume vivid astro focus • Isidro Blasco • Beth Campbell • Peter Coffin • Jennifer Cohen • Alejandro Diaz • Keith Edmier • Rob Fischer • Jonah Freeman • Mark Handforth • Corin Hewitt • Christine Hill • Nina Katchadourian • Anissa Mack • Tony Matelli • Josiah McElheny • Dave McKenzie • Paul Pfeiffer • Paul Ramirez Jonas • Xaviera Simmons • Allison Smith • Valeska Soares • Sarah Sze • Fatimah Tuggar • Olav Westphalen • Clara Williams

The Award

  • $1,000 each for ten artists to develop a proposal for a public artwork
  • $15,000 commission and $2,500 artist fee for up to three artists to realize their artwork

Who is Eligible

Artists who live or work in New York State are eligible to apply to In the Public Realm.

The Process

Phase One: February 2010 - Submissions
FEBRUARY 16, 2010 is the deadline for submissions (see What to Submit). PAF will review the submissions and select ten artists to develop formal proposals for a public artwork. Artists will be selected and notified in March 2010.

Phase Two: Spring 2010 - Proposals
The ten selected artists will each receive $1,000 to develop a proposal in consultation with PAF. Investigating potential sites and communities in New York City, artists will produce a comprehensive description of the work including a detailed budget and working drawings and/or maquettes. Final proposals will be submitted to PAF in May 2010.

Phase Three: Summer 2010 - Commissions
PAF will commission up to three artists to realize their work. Each artist will receive up to $15,000 towards fabrication, installation, and de-installation based on an approved project budget and an artist’s fee of $2,500.

What to Submit

Please include the following:

  1. Cover sheet, including your name and contact information, stating the format of your work sample submission (CD or DVD).

  2. Current resume.

  3. An artist’s statement of no more than 200 words describing your practice.

  4. A statement of no more than 200 words describing your preliminary idea for a public artwork that could be realized within the parameters of the In the Public Realm program. This statement should broadly describe the work you are interested in making and demonstrate how your practice might translate in the public sphere. Note: this preliminary idea is non-binding. If you are selected to develop a proposal in Phase Two, you may, in consultation with PAF, develop a proposal for a different work.

  5. A work sample on CD or DVD. All work samples must be submitted in either of the two following formats:

    1. Up to eight digital images saved on one CD; six images must be of your past work; and, if appropriate, one or two images that support your preliminary idea for a public artwork. These supporting images may be sketches, renderings, photographs, or images of past work that directly relate to your preliminary idea. We will only accept JPEG file formats. All JPEGs must be sized at 250 dpi, 5" x 7". Number and title each JPEG and include a description sheet with corresponding numbers. The sheet should list your name and the titles, dates, media, and dimensions of your work.

      OR

    2. Video(s) on a standard NTSC formatted DVD that plays in a DVD player. Video should be no more than fifteen minutes in total length and each video on the DVD should be a single chapter. We will not view QuickTime files. Clearly mark the outside of the DVD with your name and title(s) of the work(s). Do not submit original work. Note: if you are submitting video on DVD and would also like to send up to two additional images supporting your preliminary idea for a public artwork, those JPEGs must be formatted as instructed above and sent on a separate labeled CD with a description sheet.

Submit all your materials in a 10" x 13" envelope. Do not use staples, paper clips, folders, or report covers on any application materials.

When and Where to Submit

Materials must be received at PAF's office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 (postmarks are not acceptable). Hand deliveries will be accepted.

PLEASE MAIL APPLICATION MATERIALS TO:
In the Public Realm
Public Art Fund
One East 53rd Street, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10022

SUBMISSIONS TO IN THE PUBLIC REALM WILL NOT BE RETURNED.

If you have any questions about the program please email: realm@publicartfund.org.

It is at the Public Art Fund’s sole discretion to make the final selection decision, and the Public Art Fund is under no obligation to select from the materials submitted. Beyond formal notification, the Public Art Fund will not enter into any correspondence regarding the decision.

> Download Submission Guidelines

In the Public Realm is supported in part by public funds from National Endowment for the Arts; New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency; and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.