Artists and vendors wanted. Summer Streets, New York City’s annual celebration of public spaces, is returning for 2025. This signature event transforms miles of NYC streets into car-free corridors for recreation, community engagement, and sustainable transportation. The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) has opened applications for artists and programming partners to help shape this year’s festivities.
What is Summer Streets? Takes place on select Saturdays throughout the summer months, offering nearly 20 miles of open streets in both directions for people to play, walk, and bike. The event is hosted in all five boroughs and features rest stops along the route where participants can enjoy free activities.
1. Artist Submissions (Deadline: April 27, 2025). NYC DOT Art is inviting professional artists to submit proposals for artwork to be installed along the Summer Streets routes. Key details include:
- Up to two artists may be selected
- Funding of up to $20,000 per selected artist to cover project-related costs
- Large-scale installations potentially displayed at all seven locations across five weekends may be eligible for up to $50,000
- Artwork will be installed as one-day installations throughout all five Summer Streets event dates
How to apply:
- Review the Summer Streets Art Interventions RFP (pdf)
- Submit design and installation plans via Summer Streets Art Interventions RFP on Submittable
2. Programming Partner Submissions (Deadline: June 6, 2025). NYC DOT welcomes performers, fitness professionals, nonprofits, artists, and community-based organizations to help shape this city-wide celebration. Programming partners need to provide:
- Contact information
- Description of proposed activities
- Required materials
- Preferred boroughs for participation
How to apply:
- Complete the form Summer Streets Programming Partner Application
Resources and Additional Information
- View images of past Summer Streets events on the NYC DOT Flickr page
- Learn more about the NYC DOT Art Program here
- Sign up for the NYC DOT Art e-newsletter
- Follow @nyc_dotart on Instagram
For complete information about Summer Streets 2025, visit the official NYC Summer Streets website.
