NYC DOT Seeking Artists and Programming Partners for Summer Streets 2025

Press Releases

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2025
Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov

NYC DOT Seeking Artists and Programming Partners for Summer Streets 2025

Artists Are Invited To Submit Public Art Proposals by Sunday, April 27 at 11:59 P.M.

Programming Partners Must Submit Applications by Friday, June 6

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today opened a call for artists to submit proposals for art installations and for programming partners to help shape Summer Streets 2025. Summer Streets is an annual celebration of New York City's most valuable public space - our streets, taking place on select Saturdays from the morning to the afternoon. Miles of NYC's streets are open in both directions for people to play, walk, and bike along while taking a break at the route rest stops to enjoy free activities.

Under the Adams Administration, Summer Streets has expanded its footprint to all five boroughs for the first time ever, as well as increased the hours of operation every year. These evolutions of the initiative were the first such expansions since the Summer Streets program was launched in 2009.

"There is nothing quite like summertime in New York City, and Summer Streets is our flagship celebration of this city, its people, and our public space," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "I encourage every artist, performer, and community-based organization to submit a proposal and help us make this year's event another unforgettable experience."

"Every summer, NYC's open spaces come alive with performances, festivals, installations, and celebrations - and Summer Streets is one of the most anticipated ways for New Yorkers to experience their city in exciting new ways," said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. "Artists and cultural groups have always been crucial to the special draw of Summer Streets, tapping into the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and bring joy. We applaud our colleagues at DOT for offering this one-of-a-kind platform for artists to connect with audiences across the five boroughs, and we encourage all artists to consider applying by April 27!"

NYC DOT Art presented "Weaving Together" by Cynthia Alberto at Summer Streets 2024

Artist Submissions

NYC DOT Art invites all professional artists to submit proposals for new or existing artwork to be installed along the Summer Streets event routes at sites designated by NYC DOT as a one-day installation throughout all five Summer Streets event dates. The agency is conducting the search through a new Summer Streets Art Interventions Request for Proposals (RFP). Up to two artists may be selected. The agency may provide up to $20,000 to selected artists to cover project-related costs. Large-scale installations with potential to be displayed at all seven locations across all five weekends may be eligible for a budget of up to $50,000. The RFP is open through April 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Artists are invited to propose design and installation plans via the Summer Streets Art Interventions Request for Proposals on Submittable. For examples of previous public art installations at Summer Streets, visit NYC DOT's Flickr page.

Programming Partner Submissions

NYC DOT invites performers, fitness professionals, nonprofits, artists and community-based organizations, to help shape NYC's annual summer celebration in every borough. Programming partners will need to provide their contact information, the type of activity they will provide, any materials they will need, and their preferred boroughs to participate in. Partners must submit the application form no later than Friday, June 6.

Performance at Summer Streets 2024 in Queens

About NYC DOT Art

The New York City Department of Transportation's Art Program (NYC DOT Art) partners with community-based, nonprofit organizations and professional artists to present temporary public art on NYC DOT property throughout the five boroughs for up to eleven months. Artists transform streets with colorful murals, dynamic projections, and eye-catching sculptures. Sidewalks, fences, triangles, medians, bridges, jersey barriers, step streets, public plazas and pedestrianized spaces serve as canvases and foundations for temporary art. Since 2008, NYC DOT Art has produced over 475 temporary artworks citywide. For more information, visit @nyc_DOTArt.