ArtsWestchester, in partnership with Highgarden Tower LLC c/o Georgica Green Ventures, LLC, seeks proposals from artists or artist collectives for a high-impact permanent site-specific artwork that will activate five bay windows for Highgarden Tower, a 19 story 219-unit affordable residential complex at 11 Garden Street in New Rochelle, NY. Installations can take any form (mural, sculptural, new media etc), and may leverage all architectural components of the interior spaces including walls, ceiling and windows, but must be made of materials that will withstand direct sunlight and extreme temperatures over time. Projects with site contextual themes, community-engaged elements and/or interactive components are encouraged. 

Proposal Deadline: May 20, 2025

Artist Site Visit: April 1, 2025, 2-4 pm and by reservation

   Highgarden Tower 

   11 Garden Street, New Rochelle, NY

RSVP required to leigh@ltmartsconsulting.com

PROJECT BUDGET: $110,000 (all inclusive)

ELIGIBILITY:  Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and preferably live, work, or maintain a studio address in New York or the tri-state area. A local New Rochelle artist is preferred but not required. 

Electronic submissions only. 

Commissions must be completed and installed onsite by September 26, 2025 at the latest.  

Please review all details in this document before making your submission. 

RFP DEADLINE: Proposal materials must be submitted online via the link provided by May 20, 11:59PM, E.S.T. 

PROJECT BUDGET:  The $110,000 commission will cover all services from final design through fabrication, including artist fee, fabrication/materials, transportation, additional lighting if required, and insurance. 

SITE VISIT: Artists are highly encouraged to attend the site visit and information session on April 1, 2025, from 2-4pm. RSVP to leigh@ltmartsconsulting.com - If you cannot attend this session, please email to request another time or to ask your questions.  

OPPORTUNITY DETAILS

BACKGROUND:

Located in the walkable downtown of City of New Rochelle, with close proximity to both the Bee-line bus and the New Rochelle train station, Highgarden Tower is a new 219-unit affordable apartment building rising to 19 stories with views of the Long Island Sound. Built on land that was a parking lot and Brownfield cleanup site—Highgarden Tower features dedicated parking, community lounges, laundry facilities and a gym. Family-friendly amenities include a children’s playroom and an adjacent green space. Highgarden Tower’s energy efficiency features include water-conserving plumbing fixtures, Energy Star appliances, and high-efficiency lighting. 

The first floor includes 8,000 square ft of community incubator space contributed by the City of New Rochelle, whose mission is to expand and develop small businesses. The incubator space will provide a platform for residents and the wider community to explore opportunities for personal and professional development. Within this street-facing facade, in effort to contribute towards a cohesive and welcoming pedestrian experience, five vitrines have been dedicated for public art display. This provision echoes the City of New Rochelle’s focus on public arts as a way to establish sense of place and community. 

Highgarden Tower has been developed by Georgica Green Ventures, LLC (GGV) in partnership with New Destiny Housing GGV was founded on the belief that affordable housing has a place in all communities and that the diversity of race, age, and ethnicity makes those communities stronger. Since it’s founding, GGV has completed about 2,000 units of affordable supportive housing in New York State. New Destiny’s mission is to end the cycle of domestic violence and homelessness for low-income families and individuals by developing and connecting them to safe, permanent, affordable housing and services.

DESIGN PARAMETERS:

A wide variety of materials will be considered, including stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, ceramic, glass, new media, light art and more. There is no HVAC/climate control in the bays, and windows are made of insulated double glaze units but does not include special UV treatment traditionally provided in more conservation-minded display environments. It is paramount that the artwork be able to withstand extreme temperatures and light/sun without degradation over time.  

The Selection Committee are open to proposals that are three-dimensional or two-dimensional; themes or representation that are abstract, geometric, or nature-inspired; textural, ever-changing and non-static pieces are encouraged. We encourage consideration of how the natural light affects the space and how it changes throughout the day, uses shadow, or reflects light. We suggest avoiding references to people, faces, or controversial themes and avoid flashing lights or lights that might disrupt traffic on Garden Street. Projects with community engagement elements and/or interactive components are encouraged. Some examples of projects that The Selection Committee is drawn to are in Appendix B.

Artists can propose up to three separate designs for the space. Highgarden Tower would like this project to be completed by one or two artists/artist collectives. Designs should be for all 5 window bays or for 3 (left side) or for 2 (right side). Artists are welcome to submit full and partial designs.  If two artists are selected, the artwork will need to work together aesthetically. Should the project be split by two artists, the commission budget will be split accordingly.

All proposals will be judged based on their artistic merit and on the criteria established by the Selection Committee.

SITE DESCRIPTION:

• 5 enclosed street-facing window bays are situated on the front of the 19 story building. There are 2 bays on either side of the main lobby entrance, with another bay on the other side of the garage entrance.
• Windows face Northwest
• The 5 window bays are different sizes. Windows are all 108” tall (from 2 feet off the ground), ranging in width from 64”-90”. 
• The interior spaces are varied in configuration, but all are roughly 43” deep with an interior ceiling height of 12’. The width of the space in most cases extends past the window frame on one side.
• The window sills are 2 feet off the ground, so the artist must consider if supports/bases must be incorporated into the design. 
• Each bay area has an interior door that is visible from the window. These doors can be covered, if needed. 
• Each bay area door is 35” wide and 79” tall. Artwork and all components must be able to fit through. 
• The windows are 3600 square feet in total. 
• There is an LED strip in the back/top which provides some lighting. If artist hangs anything from the ceiling, it will obstruct the light and it will need to be moved.
• There is an outlet at the top of each window bay where artists can plug into to run LED strips or other electrical components.  Any lighting that is not provided should be included in the budget.
• Images and full specs to be used for in situ proposals can be found here.

Architectural Drawings 

  View from across the street, showing 1 window bay left of garage entrance and 2 on either side of main entrance

Bays #1 - 5, exterior view (from left to right, looking at the building)

Installation details:

• Installations may leverage all architectural components of the space including walls, doors, and windows.
• Artists can hang from the ceiling. 
• All surfaces can be painted.
• Window glass can be modified (in place/onsite) with adhesive films on the interior, as long as the window glass and frames are not compromised.
• Artist must provide all plinths/structures/hardware necessary for the artwork.

TIMELINE & PROJECT SCHEDULE

Site Visit    April 1, 2025, 2-4pm

Proposal Development  March 10 - May 20

Proposal Deadline   May 20, 2025 at 11:59PM

Finalist Notification   May 30

Contracting    June 1-15 

Fabrication    June - September

Installation    before September 26, 2025

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS:

Proposals must include the following:

• 2D renderings of the proposed artwork

Format: jpeg, tiff, tiff

Quantity: Up to 10 files per design

Images must be submitted digitally and be high resolution (300 DPI). Images may also be photo-collaged in-situ renderings. 

• Material list

Format: Word Doc or PDF.

Please list all materials that will be used in the implementation of the design, including sculpture materials, paint/coating finishes, electric requirements, and any other materials integral to the aesthetic of the piece. Material List must also include a detailed description and quantity of all proposed materials to be used in the artwork. 

• Project Statement

Format: Word Doc or PDF.

A written description of the proposed artwork to give the viewer understanding or insight. The Project Statement should inform, provide context, and present the inspiration for your work. It can be descriptive or reflective in nature (1-page maximum).

• CV

Format: Word Doc or PDF.

A history of past projects and professional experience (2-page maximum).

• Installation requirements

Format: Word Doc or PDF.

Please describe installation needs for the artworks such as: on site assembly, loading/unloading, use of riggers/lifts/gantries, lighting or electric requirements, and time needed. Installation of the artwork may be performed by the Artist(s), and timing will be at Highgarden Tower’s discretion and subject to additional requirements (i.e. permits, insurance, etc.).

• Project Budget & Budget Narrative

Format: Word Doc, Excel Doc, PDF

• The $110,000 commission will cover all services from final design through fabrication, including artist fee, fabrication/materials, and insurance. 
• Total project budget is not to exceed $110,000
• Provide quotes from proposed subcontractors for design, shop drawings, engineering, and fabrication, if necessary. 
• Any discrepancies in the estimated budget will be absorbed by the artist.

• Additional Support Materials

 Format: Word Doc, PDF, jpeg

• If using subcontractors, please provide bios/resumes of proposed subcontractors. 

ArtsWestchester may consider submitted proposal documents for other public art opportunities in the event the Artist(s) is/are not selected. 

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to reduce risk of technical difficulties. Incomplete, late, hand-delivered, mailed or emailed submissions will NOT be accepted for any reason.

SELECTION PROCESS & CRITERIA:

A selection committee will review all eligible artist submissions. The committee will include Highgarden Tower representatives and Highgarden Tower will seek final approval by the New Rochelle Arts Commission.

Submissions will be evaluated by the following criteria:

• Artistic excellence and originality as evidenced by representations of past work images and other supporting materials.
• Appropriateness of artist’s medium, style, and previous experience as they relate to the project goals and setting.
• Experience with projects of a similar scale and scope.
• Ability to participate in the design and implementation of the project as required.

The Selection Committee will name one (1) or two (2)  winners for the five Window Bays. Winners will be approved by the New Rochelle Art Commission and will contract directly with Highgarden Tower.

3d models/maquettes may be reviewed if requested in advance, up to five days before application due-date. Email leigh@ltmartsconsulting.com - we recommend this option only if a digital rendering is not efficient to see spatially. 

FULL SCOPE OF WORK:

The Artist(s) who are awarded the commission(s) will be contracted by Highgarden Tower to produce the artwork, in keeping with the final designs accepted by the Selection Committee and approved by the New Rochelle Art Commission. Highgarden Tower will assume ownership of the artwork upon completion by the Artist, which shall require a Certification of Conformance as noted below.

Additional responsibilities of the selected Artists include, but are not limited to:

• The Artist shall be available with reasonable advance notice for a reasonable number of meetings required to coordinate design and project implementation, ceremonies, press conferences and photo opportunities and the like, as necessary. 
• The Artist shall perform all services and furnish all supplies, material and/or work equipment as necessary for the design and fabrication of the Artwork.
• The Artist shall provide required insurance in amounts and limits specified in the final contract between ArtsWestchester, the Artist, and Highgarden Tower
• The Artist shall secure any and all required licenses, engineering approvals, and similar authorizations at the Artist’s expense as may be necessary for the installation of the Artwork at the Site. 
• The Artist shall provide a maintenance manual with a description of all materials, processes and products utilized in the Artwork and the required care and upkeep involved, as well as recommended procedures in the event of necessary conservation.
• The Artist shall guarantee the work to be free from faults of materials and workmanship for one year after completion.

PROJECT CONTACTS:

All questions about this opportunity should be directed to ArtsWestchester representatives. 

Leigh Taylor Mickelson

Public Arts Manager, ArtsWestchester

leigh@ltmartsconsulting.com

C: 443-286-3914

Adam Chau

Director of Exhibitions, ArtsWestchester

achau@artswestchester.org 

W: 914.428.4220

ABOUT THE PARTNERS

ArtsWestchester

ArtsWestchester began in 1965 as a conversation among arts advocates and volunteers in a living room and has grown into is New York State’s largest private, not-for-profit cultural service organization.

Our mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support to ensure the availability, accessibility and diversity of the arts in Westchester County.

Our vision is of a Westchester in which every man, woman and child can explore his or her creative impulses; where the arts are accessible to every sector of society and are an educational priority in our schools; where opportunities for artists are plentiful; where public art is fundamental to the landscape and cityscape; and where a new generation can use the arts as a window to the world.

Our programs and services enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. We help fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; bring artists into schools and community centers; advocate for the arts; and build audiences through diverse marketing initiatives.

Georgica Green Ventures, LLC 

GGV is a multifaceted real estate development company specializing in the development, construction and property management of workforce housing that incorporates retail and office space, gardens, playgrounds, resident lounges and more. Built with integrity across New York State—from East Hampton to Watertown—our residential communities offer a comprehensive, 360-degree holistic approach that benefits both those who live there and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Resources

Project Examples public art installations that Highgarden Tower is attracted to:

Colorful artwork that uses shadow: https://publicartarchive.org/art/Sunset-Strip-Poinsettia-Fields/ea65a5d7 

Etched glass; https://publicartarchive.org/art/Paw-Print/3616b52f 

3d natural object: https://publicartarchive.org/art/Plantus-Bibliotechalis/1c5cff5b 

Shadow screen: https://publicartarchive.org/search/art/c8e5bc74 

Reflective materials: https://publicartarchive.org/search/art/ebfe37ad 

Decorative screens: https://www.newgo.la/environmental/noho-senior-villas 

About New Rochelle

General Information & History:

https://www.newrochelleny.com/ 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Rochelle,_New_York 

New Rochelle Arts Commission:

https://www.newrochelleny.com/246/Municipal-Arts-Commission 

Please Note: The Yonkers & Mount Vernon Arts Initiative is intended to support programs or projects by organizations based in those communities to expand arts access. Refer to the Yonkers/Mount Vernon Arts Initiative Guidelines for specific eligibility requirement and application information. Only one application per organization is permitted.

OVERVIEW

ArtsWestchester has received a grant from Assemblymember Shimsky to support the creation and installation of a high-impact, major work of public art for Pleasantville, NY. Working in partnership with the Pleasantville Public Art Committee, ArtsWestchester will implement a design competition that would identify site-specific original work of art in the form of a painted mural.

Jackson Alley or “Jackson Pedestrian Walkway”  (exterior back wall of Jacob Burns Film Center) has been identified for a painted mural installation (dimensions roughly 8-10’ tall and up to 80’ long; 800 square feet total). Jackson Alley is an important walkway in the busiest and most vibrant section of Pleasantville. The Pleasantville Public Art Committee envisions this mural as the first step in creating an “art zone” in the heart of the Village that would help cultivate our local cultural identity, attract curious visitors, and enliven the business district.

Process:

Proposals will include:

• Current bio/CV with contact information
• Artist statement (up to 350 words)
• Work samples of existing projects 
• Up to three (3) different designs with 2-D renderings showing the designs in situ.  
• Project statement (up to 250 words)
• Budget, to be inclusive of: all materials, Compliance with building insurance requirement for access during installation, Other necessary support to facilitate a successful installation     
  
   

Timeline:

March 15 - RFP Opens

May 2 - RFP Submission Due

May 19 - Up to 3 finalists selected for Town review

May 31 - Notification and contracting of Finalist

TBD - Installation and completion of mural

PROJECT BUDGET:  The $20,000 commission will cover all expenses from final design through fabrication, including artist fee, fabrication/materials, transportation, permits (if necessary), and insurance. 

An additional $5,000 budget will be put aside for long-term maintenance. Artist will have first right-of-refusal for touch-ups or covering any defacement for five years (2030).

DESIGN PARAMETERS: 

Murals are considered permanent and should be applied with long-life paint, or durable, weather-resistant  2D materials. All proposed work must be able to withstand an outdoor, four-season environment. The mural  must conform to the footprint of the designated site shown in the attached photographs and should utilize the entire space.

All styles of artwork will be given equal consideration. Proposed designs should have universal appeal, should be visually dynamic, should be inclusive and sensitive to the behavior of pedestrians who will be passing through the site on a daily basis, and be appropriate for all ages and audiences. Artists are encouraged to consider the regional context of the mural location and the surrounding communities when creating their proposals, and Pleasantville suggests avoiding themes that may be perceived as controversial.

The Site

Behind the iconic Jacob Burns Film Center, Jackson Alley is an important walkway in the busiest and most vibrant section of Pleasantville. Jacob Burns has given permission to the Town of Pleasantville to commission a painted mural for its back wall, which is painted concrete and spans 80’ along the alley. The Center prefers that the mural not exceed 8-10’ in height, so the artwork is below the existing wires. While the wall is 800 square feet in total, the artist may choose to engage the space without painting every square foot of the wall. Doorways and other fixtures can be incorporated into the design, as needed. Planters, which are situated along the walkway, will be rearranged as needed to highlight the artwork.

The mural will engage Jacob Burns back wall, on the right.  Artists are encouraged to visit the site and see how light and shadows play on the wall and develop a design that will enhance the walkway for all pedestrians.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS:

Proposals must include the following:

• 2D renderings of the proposed artwork

Format: jpeg, tiff, tiff

Quantity: Up to 5 files per design

Images must be submitted digitally and be high resolution (300 DPI). Artists may also submit hand-produced renderings, in addition to their digital submissions. Hand-produced renderings should not exceed 20”x30”.  Artwork may be placed in-situ with photographs provided.

• Project Statement

Format: Word Doc or PDF.

A written description of the proposed artwork to give the viewer understanding or insight. The Project Statement should inform, provide context, and present the inspiration for your work. It can be descriptive or reflective in nature (1-page maximum).

• Installation requirements

Format: Word Doc or PDF.

Please describe installation needs for the artwork such as: on site assembly, loading/unloading, use of riggers/lifts/gantries, lighting or electric requirements, design of base. Installation of the artwork may be performed by the Artist(s), and timing will be at Highgarden Tower’s discretion and subject to additional requirements (i.e. permits, insurance, etc.).

• Project Budget & Budget Narrative

Format: Word Doc, Excel Doc, PDF

• The $25,000 commission will cover all services from final design through fabrication, including artist fee, paint/materials, and insurance. 
• Total project budget is not to exceed $25,000
• Any discrepancies in the estimated budget will be absorbed by the artist.
• All materials (plus quantity) used to complete the mural
  
• Additional Support Materials

 Format: Word Doc, PDF, jpeg

• If using subcontractors, please provide bios/resumes of proposed subcontractors. 

ArtsWestchester may consider submitted proposal documents for other public art opportunities in the event the Artist(s) is/are not selected. 

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to reduce risk of technical difficulties. Incomplete, late, hand-delivered, mailed or emailed submissions will NOT be accepted for any reason.

SELECTION PROCESS & CRITERIA:

ArtsWestchester has assembled a Working Group, which is composed of the Pleasantville Public Art Committee and ArtsWestchester administrators. The Working Group will identify up to 3 (three) artists to present to the Town of Pleasantville for review before a final selection is made. If modifications are necessary to any submitted design proposals, ArtsWestchester will coordinate with the artist(s) to edit their proposal and resubmit. The Working Group may choose to provide feedback to the artists before formally offering the artists the award.

Submissions will be evaluated by the following criteria:

• Artistic excellence and originality as evidenced by representations of past work images and other supporting materials.
• Appropriateness of artist’s medium, style, and previous experience as they relate to the project goals and setting.
• Experience with projects of a similar scale and scope.
• Ability to participate in the design and implementation of the project as required.

The Artist who has the winning design will be issued a licensing agreement granting Owner permission to use the artwork for their site and for all non-commercial purposes. 

Creation/Installation/Promotion 

Once the artist is selected and designs are approved, ArtsWestchester shall arrange a meeting with the artist and other relevant parties to review design and determine production needs. ArtsWestchester will coordinate with Artist on installation timeline and logistics as well as identify a Site Contact that will be working on installation procedures. With the Working Group, promotion and an artwork unveiling event will showcase Pleasantville’s newest public art.

The Artist(s) who are awarded the commission will be contracted by ArtsWestchester to produce the artwork, in keeping with the final designs accepted by the Selection Committee and approved by the Town of Pleasantville. Jacob Burns Film Center will assume ownership of the artwork upon completion by the Artist, which shall require a Certification of Conformance as noted below.

Additional responsibilities of the selected Artists include, but are not limited to:

• The Artist shall be available with reasonable advance notice for a reasonable number of meetings required to coordinate design and project implementation, ceremonies, press conferences and photo opportunities and the like, as necessary. 
• The Artist shall perform all services and furnish all supplies, material and/or work equipment as necessary for the design and fabrication of the Artwork.
• The Artist shall provide required insurance in amounts and limits specified in the final contract between ArtsWestchester, the Artist, and Jacob Burns Film Center
• The Artist shall secure any and all required licenses, engineering approvals, and similar authorizations at the Artist’s expense as may be necessary for the installation of the Artwork at the Site. 
• The Artist shall guarantee the work to be free from faults of materials and workmanship for one year after completion.

Ownership and Artwork Reproduction Rights

The Owner of the Building (Owner) will have the rights to the original creation (Mural). Any modification to, or reuse of, the Mural, other than in connection with the original design, by Owner without the written consent of ArtsWestchester shall be at the sole risk of Owner and Owner shall indemnify and defend ArtsWestchester for any third party actions that may result therefrom. The Artist will maintain copyright of the Mural, in compliance with the Copyright Act of 1976. Owner will credit the Artist in all reproductions of the artwork, and will credit ArtsWestchester as its collaborator in the commission process. 

ArtsWestchester shall secure from the Artist an irrevocable, world-wide, perpetual, and royalty-free license on behalf of ArtsWestchester and the Owner to use any and all copyrights, trademarks, or any other intellectual property contained in the Artwork Documents, as well as to use the Artist’s name, likeness and biographical information, for any lawful use, including without limitation for publications concerning the Project.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, April 7, 2025 at 11:59pm     

You will receive a confirmation email once the application has been successfully submitted.  If you do not receive an email confirmation then your application may not have been received, please review your application carefully for errors.