public artists in residence (pair) 2026

The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) is seeking three artists to join the Public Artists in Residence (PAIR) program in 2025. One selected artist will be placed in residence with each of the following City agencies/offices: Office of Housing Recovery Operations, Small Business Services, and the Mayor's Public Engagement Unit.

Residency Structure

PAIR residencies begin with a required half-day orientation session, which kicks off a four-month Research Phase. This Phase is a time for the artist and agency to establish mutual trust through shared exposure to each other’s work and process—the artist shadows agency staff and attends meetings, trainings and site visits, and in turn the agency hosts an artist talk and visits the artist at their studio. The Research Phase ends with the artist proposing a project, designed in collaboration with the partner agency, to produce during the remaining months of the residency. The Implementation Phase of the residency is marked by approval of the project proposal and initiation of the work. The proposed project must be collaborative in nature and include at least one (1) public-facing event or component. Both DCLA and the partner agency will continue to provide the artist support during the project’s production for the duration of the residency. Throughout the residency, the artist, partner agency, and DCLA have biweekly virtual or in-person check-in meetings to assist in project development. Additionally, the artist will have monthly meetings to share process updates and receive support from outside arts professionals.

Artist Agreement and Intellectual Property Rights

DCLA understands the importance of artists’ intellectual property rights. Prior to the start date of each phase of the program, the selected artists will be required to sign two (2) Public Artist in Residence Agreements (one for the Research Phase and one for the Implementation Phase). These agreements include fixed provisions regarding intellectual property and make the following distinction: artist(s) own and maintain rights over artistic works developed during the program (such as visual art, performances and literary materials) that are not intended to be used by a City agency or program, subject to certain restrictions and the City’s license to use such artistic works. Materials developed specifically for City purposes (such as reports, promotional materials, and campaign content) will be owned by the City. Selected artists are strongly encouraged to review the Agreements with trusted legal counsel as soon as they are received to avoid delays.

PAIR 2025

PAIR 2025 will launch three new residencies with the following partner agencies:

• Office of Housing Recovery Operations
• Small Business Services
• Mayor's Public Engagement Unit

Timeline

• Artist Finalist Interviews: Beginning of August. Interviews will be conducted virtually and selected artists will be notified shortly thereafter.
• Residency Start Date: Start of September 2025. In person kick off meeting.
• Residency End Date: August 2026