Applications open for public art fellowship

Applications are open now for Works in Public, the Art Student League of New York’s exclusive public art fellowship in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. This professional development fellowship offers artists the opportunity to create sculptures for year-long public exhibitions at Riverside Park.

Participating artists will gain experience working with the physical materials and processes that are used to create original works of public art, and are awarded a stipend and a scholarship for a full-time class at the League for the duration of the fellowship.

Artists working in all media are invited to apply by July 12.

‍Works in Public is a two-year fellowship. The first year is dedicated to seminars on the history and contemporary understanding of public sculpture, the study of sculptural concepts, proposal and presentation methods, site analysis, fabrication processes, engineering, and studio visits. This year culminates in the creation of a proposal for a full-scale public artwork. The second year is dedicated to the fabrication process of selected proposals, culminating in the installation of artworks in Riverside Park South and Riverside Park/145th Street for a one-year public exhibition. The course will offer weekly seminars, guest lecturers, and critics. It will include visits to public art sites and artists’ studios, discussions, recommended readings, assignments, and consultations.

How to apply
Works in Public uses an open application process, open now through July 12, 2026. Apply here.

Selected artists must commit to taking classes at the League during their participation in the fellowship. A successful application is based on the strength of the proposed concept and portfolio. Artists working in all media are invited to apply. Please see our website for WiP Prospect and Frequently Asked Questions.

Current jurors
The jurors for the 2026 Works in Public selection will be artist Jean Shin and Matilde Guidelli-Guidi, Curator and Curatorial Department Co-Head at Dia Art Foundation.

Our supporters
Works in Public is supported, in part, by The Harry Feinberg Family Foundation, John Padget, The Dr. Lawrence Spielberger & Dr. Greta Spanierman Family Foundation, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. We gratefully acknowledge our community partners Florida Keys Council of the Arts, the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, Riverside Park Conservancy, Manhattan Community Board 7, and Manhattan Community Board 9. Generous in-kind support is provided by Brandywine Valley Fabricators.