Broadway Mall Association’s Art on the Malls Program Guidelines and Information for Temporary Public Art Installations
The Public Art Committee of the Broadway Mall Association (BMA PAC) and The City of New York’s Department of Parks & Recreation’s Art in the Parks program provide a unique opportunity to present sculpture to the public along the Broadway Malls. Exhibitions are first proposed to the BMA PAC, which then recommends them to Art in the Parks for approval. Exhibitions are presented under the auspices of both organizations in collaboration with the chosen artists, their galleries, and/or other related arts organizations. They are typically 6 to 9 months in duration.
Sculpture may be installed on the hardscape at the end of each mall or, occasionally, in the planted “in-beds.” Art on the hardscape is typically fully accessible to viewers; spectators are discouraged from accessing the in-beds. Possible locations span from Columbus Circle to Mitchel Square at 165th Street, except where the subway is above ground and there are no pedestrian malls.
Physical Characteristics and Limitations
The malls vary in size and configuration. Sculptures typically show to best advantage on the hardscape at each end of a mall, but interior locations may also be suitable. The BMA PAC works with artists and/or galleries to achieve visibility and harmony with the locations selected.
Public safety and security are prime considerations. The BMA PAC and Parks work with exhibitors to meet these requirements. Sculptures may need to be anchored to the hardscape; restoration of the hardscape will be the responsibility of the exhibitor. Sculptures cannot be anchored to hex pavers, though anchoring to asphalt or concrete is permitted. Freestanding artworks that are not anchored should weigh at least 1,000 lbs.
The varied configurations of the malls accommodate a wide range of sculpture size and weight. Exhibitors are encouraged to examine the full extent of the malls before submitting a proposal. While exhibitors may propose specific sites, the BMA and Parks reserve the right to final determination of exhibition sites and must approve all siting.
Number of works is at the discretion of the artist, with BMA PAC and Parks input and final approval; use of at least three or more malls is encouraged.
Depending on seasonal plantings, sculpture placement may be permitted within the flower beds. Expenses related to restoring or replacing plant material damaged during installation or de-installation will be borne by the exhibitor. Sculpture must not obstruct driver sight lines to traffic lights on Broadway (both north and south bound lanes). Sculpture must be secured to prevent theft or damage; the Broadway Mall Association assumes no responsibility for art on display.
Planting Schedule for Flower Beds
- Tulips are planted in November
- Spring planting is typically done in April through May
- Installation and de-installation during planting periods may be limited or not permitted
Additional Considerations
Exhibitors must retain professional riggers and installers, who are responsible for obtaining lane closure permits from the Department of Transportation.
Transport and Installation: Artists or their galleries must arrange for sculpture delivery, installation, and de-installation in coordination with Parks and the BMA PAC. A representative of the BMA PAC must be present for all installation and de-installation. Installation is generally permitted on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Trees and shrubs on the malls should not be part of any installation except in the least intrusive way. Care should be taken to avoid damage to permanent plantings and trees during sculpture placement and de-installation.
Property and liability insurance must be provided by the artist and/or sponsor, with the Broadway Mall Association named as an additional insured. The artist and/or sponsor must also provide the Parks Department a maintenance and restoration bond in the form of a certified check; the amount will be determined based on sculpture size and quantity.
Exhibitor and/or sponsor will be responsible for all costs associated with an exhibition, including fabrication (if applicable), installation, de-installation, transportation, insurance, and maintenance.
As necessary, Parks and the BMA PAC will assist exhibitors in obtaining approval from community boards and the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District for sculpture on the malls from Columbus Circle to 70th Street.
Broadway Mall Association Public Art Committee Review Process
The Public Art Committee of the Broadway Mall Association reviews all proposals and makes recommendations to The City of New York’s Department of Parks & Recreation’s Art in the Parks program.
To submit a proposal: Broadway Mall Association Public Art Committee 2095 Broadway, Suite 403 New York, NY 10023 broadwaymallassociation@gmail.com
Once approved by the BMA PAC, proposals should be forwarded to: Public Art Coordinator at NYC Parks, The Arsenal, Central Park Room 20, 830 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10065 (212) 360-8163 artandantiquities@parks.nyc.gov