Signature Events Art Installations Request Proposals

55 Water Street
New York City, NY 10041

Jan 21, 2026

The New York City Department of Transportation’s (NYC DOT) mission is to provide for the safe, efficient, environmentally responsible movement of people and goods in the City of New York and to maintain and enhance the transportation infrastructure crucial to the economic vitality and quality of life of our primary customers, City residents. NYC DOT hosts several large-scale, annual car-free events to reimagine the streets of New York City as more inviting public spaces for walking, cycling, playing, and much more—without the noise and congestion of cars.

These events temporarily transform major streets and corridors into active public spaces, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, cultural programming, and public engagement.

NYC DOT Art invites all professional artists to submit proposals for artwork to be installed during Car-Free Earth Day and or Summer Streets at sites designated by NYC DOT as a one-day installation. Please carefully read the different requirements and expectations for the range of events. Car-Free Earth Day installations would be displayed on a singular date and location; however, Summer Streets installations could be on display on two to five different dates and locations, including two locations on the same date.

The display structure and attachments must be compliant with the requirements stipulated; the majority of sites available for art installations are concrete sidewalks or asphalt street spaces.

• Up to two artists may be selected per event.
• NYC DOT Art will determine final funding based on the complexity of the project and overall proposed budget.
• We encourage proposals that include programming to complement the installation; giveaways are also welcome but not necessary.

Selected artist(s) for Summer Streets will create installations to be displayed on at least two dates. Installations could be on display on two to five different dates and could include being installed at two locations on the same day.

Selected artist(s) may receive:

• Up to $20,000 to cover all expenses for projects on display in Manhattan; one site for three Saturdays
• Up to $20,000 to cover all expenses for projects to be displayed in the outer boroughs; two different boroughs per event date for two Saturdays
• Up to $50,000 for large-scale installations with potential to be displayed at all seven location across all five Saturdays
• Installation budgets must cover all expenses to design, fabricate, and present the artwork, including costs associated with the following: artist fee (up to 20% of budget), labor, materials, fabrication, engineering, installation, equipment rental, storage, and transportation.

Selected artists shall be responsible for the following:

• Installing one (1) or more final artwork(s) on site of Summer Streets.
• Being available to meet and coordinate with NYC DOT throughout all project phases.
• Being available day of the event to monitor artwork and engage with the public through programming. Depending on installation scope, this will be at least two event dates and as many as all seven locations across all five weekends.
• Removing installation after Summer Streets completion; installations may not remain installed following the event.

Artists are invited to submit proposals by February 8, 2026 by 11:59pm EST. Please submit applications here on our Submittable portal at

On your application please select which event you would like to be considered for. You may select multiple. However, artists are only eligible to receive one commission per fiscal year. Incomplete applications or applications that do not meet the requirements will not be considered.

By submitting an application, all selected artists agree to enter into a contract with NYC DOT in advance of the event and shall receive funding following participation at the event.