Press Releases

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2023
Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov

NYC DOT Announces Search for Artists to Beautify 191st Street Tunnel

The New York City Department of Transportation today issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking submissions of bold, colorful designs for beautification of the 191st Street Tunnel (The Tunnel). Proposed designs should reflect the local community and the rich cultural identity of Washington Heights.

Located in Washington Heights at 191st Street, the pedestrian tunnel connects Broadway and St. Nicholas Avenue to the 1 train station at 191st street. The station is one of the deepest in the New York City Subway system, sitting at approximately 180 feet below street level. The Tunnel is mapped as a street and is thus owned and maintained by DOT.

“The 191st Street tunnel is a community landmark, providing critical connection between Broadway and the 1 train for tens of thousands of New Yorkers,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We are excited to find artists to beautify the tunnel with designs that reflect the rich cultural identity of Washington Heights and create a vibrant space for the commuters who use this major hub every day.”

The RFP is available for download on DOT’s website. For more information, please visit, https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/dotart-191-st-tunnel-rfp.pdf (ENGLISH) or https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/dotart-191-st-tunnel-rfp-es.pdf (SPANISH).

DOT Art will select up to four (4) artists to develop design treatments to be painted within the Tunnel with community and volunteer support. The selected Artists shall be responsible for completing one (1) final design, working with DOT staff to develop the implementation plan and material list, assisting with stencil production and developing technique to translate the design onto tunnel walls, and assisting with overseeing a team of community volunteers or assistants.

Submissions must be submitted via e-mail no later than Friday, April 14th, 2023, at 11:59 PM EST to be considered. Hand delivered proposals will not be accepted. All submissions should be emailed to: 191TunnelArt@dot.nyc.gov.

DOT Art Background
The New York City Department of Transportation’s (“NYC DOT”) Art Program (“DOT Art”) oversees the installation of public artworks on NYC DOT property throughout New York City in partnership with a diverse body of professional artists, galleries, business improvement districts and arts, community-based and other nonprofit organizations. City sidewalks, fences, triangles, medians, bridges, jersey barriers, step streets, pedestrian plazas and other unique project sites service as canvases and foundations for temporary murals, sculptures, interventions, and cultural programming. In addition, DOT Art coordinates conservation and maintenance of DOT’s permanent art collection and collaborates with the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Percent for Art Program to commission permanent art as part of the Percent for Art law. For more information about DOT Art, visit www.nyc.gov/dotart.

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