Art in Makerpark: 2026 Artist in Residency Program

About the Open Call

The Art in Makerpark Four Month Residency runs from February to June 2026, inviting up to six artists or artist teams to design and fabricate an outdoor public art piece. These works will be publicly exhibited at Makerpark in Staten Island from June 2026 to May 2027. The program aims to guide artists in developing art suitable for outdoor, public display, and explicitly states that no prior public art experience is necessary. The primary selection criterion is the feasibility of realizing the proposed project within the given timeframe. Participants will gain access to fabrication facilities at both Staten Island Makerspace and Futureworks Makerspace at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, including free tool training on necessary equipment, a dedicated storage spot, and a $750 material stipend. Makerspace NYC staff will offer one-on-one meetings for troubleshooting and fabrication strategies; however, artists are ultimately responsible for their own fabrication. Both makerspace locations provide wood and metal fabrication facilities, with Brooklyn also featuring ceramics, industrial sewing, laser cutters, and 3D printing. The Staten Island Makerspace has more limited hours, requiring coordinated access. The program is supported by public funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Cultural Development Fund.

What is Offered

Selected artists or artist teams will receive access to fabrication facilities at two makerspace locations, free tool training, a dedicated storage spot, a $750 material stipend, staff support for project realization and installation, and a public art exhibition opportunity for one year.

Requirements

Applicants must be individual artists or collaborative teams, with each artist being 18 years or older. No prior public art experience is necessary. Artists are expected to create an outdoor public art piece, attend planning meetings at Makerpark (at least one at the beginning and one prior to installation), spend at least 8 hours per week working at one of the makerspaces, and assist with the artwork's installation. Proposals should consider that the artwork will be publicly displayed in an unfenced area, subject to weather, vandalism, theft, and public interaction, and must be durable enough to last outdoors for one year without external electricity.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted via Airtable and are due on December 30, 2025 at 11:59pm. Applicants should submit their project ideas through the provided application link.