Call For Entries: Public Art Competition To Change The Cityscape

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — New Rochelle is offering local and regional artists the chance to make a lasting mark on the culture and look of the city with a call for entries in two art competitions. The public art project and competition is part of the city’s ambitious downtown redevelopment plans.

“Public art is a vital and often inspiring part of New Rochelle's larger commitment to creative expression,” New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson said in a statement announcing the projects. “These new installations, that celebrate the fabric of our community through art, will delight countless current and future residents."

The first open competition will result in two new murals on the Potter Avenue Bridge over I-95 and Metro-North tracks. The large-scale works of art are expected to reflect “everyday life in New Rochelle.”

The second competition is an open call for slightly smaller, but no less prominent works of public art. This contest will be conducted in partnership with NewRo Studios and will focus on works of creativity and expression which will eventually be painted onto the newest version of the iconic “NRNY” sculptures. Two new NRNY sculptures featuring the winning artists’ works will then be installed downtown.

Winners will receive a stipend as both an award and to cover the necessary materials and supplies to complete the projects. The winning NRNY sculpture artists will be invited to NewRo Studios’ Creative Lab space to see their visions to fruition.

Artists from New Rochelle and across the greater New York region are invited to apply for either or both of the competitions. Organizers say artwork submissions for the murals and sculptures can be abstract or illustrative but should be welcoming and engaging to residents and visitors and reflect the city’s goals for building a smart, vibrant and innovative community.

The call for submissions is open now through April 30. Winners will be chosen by the Municipal Arts Commission of the City of New Rochelle. Both public art installations are expected to be completed by late spring or summer of this year.

Artists can apply to take part in either or both public art competitions here.