“Bloomberg Philanthropies today announced the launch of the 2022 Public Art Challenge, which invites mayors of U.S. cities with 30,000 residents or more to apply for up to $1 million in funding to create temporary public art projects that address important civic issues. Submissions for dynamic works of art across all disciplines will be considered, and proposed projects will be evaluated on their ability to generate public-private collaborations, celebrate creativity and urban identity, and strengthen local economies. The Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge encourages mayors to partner with artists, elevating the value of including the creative sector when developing solutions to significant urban problems.”
“‘The Public Art Challenge provides a creative way for cities to bring residents together, form strong civic partnerships, and make public spaces more inspiring and accessible,’ said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies and 108th mayor of New York City. ‘As cities emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, public art has the power to help revitalize communities. We know cities will have great ideas for this year’s competition, and we look forward to helping their visions come to life.’”
“Up to 10 winners will be chosen in 2023 to execute their projects – which may include multiple installations in a single city – over 24 months. Bloomberg Philanthropies grants will cover project-related expenditures including development, execution, and marketing. The application for the 2022 Public Art Challenge, as well as more information on criteria, and process, can be found here. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2023.”
“The second round of Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge cities selected in 2018 included projects by Anchorage, Alaska; Camden, New Jersey; Coral Springs and Parkland, Florida; Jackson, Mississippi; and Tulsa, Oklahoma. The five winning projects addressed issues such as climate change, neighborhood blight, healing after gun violence, and commemorating the centennial of Greenwood’s 1921 Black Wall Street Massacre. Many of the cities in the 2018 Public Art Challenge were able to catalyze local investment, stimulate new forms of partnership within their cities, improve community wellbeing, and create inclusive spaces to discuss complex social issues.”