Van Alen Institute has issued an open call for emerging artists and designers to participate in Common Build: Gowanus, a temporary public lighting installation envisioned as a welcoming gateway to the Brooklyn neighborhood. The selected designer will receive significant financial and logistical support to bring their vision to life — including a $23,000 design fee, $75,000 for production, and hands-on guidance from Van Alen’s extensive network.
The project is part of a larger initiative to activate public space and foster deeper connections between artists and local communities. Applicants must have at least two years of professional experience and have completed at least one public-facing or community-engaged project. Priority will be given to those based in the NYC metro area, especially Gowanus-based creatives.
The application deadline is August 19, after which shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit full proposals. Each shortlisted applicant will receive $2,000 to develop their ideas.
Interested candidates can attend an online info session on Tuesday, August 5 at 4 p.m., or drop in during office hours on August 6 or 12 from 3–6 p.m. at 303 Bond St., Brooklyn. Additional meetings can be scheduled by emailing Program Manager Shiloah Coley at [email protected].
This opportunity is supported by the NYC Department of Small Business Services through a Public Realm Grant for Commercial District Lighting.
In tandem with the open call, Van Alen is showcasing The Dear Neighbor Project, a public art initiative led by artist Tiffany Baker that explores the lived experiences of Gowanus residents facing neighborhood flooding. The project includes murals, oral history archives, and a participatory workshop titled Mapping Memory: Flood Lines & Storylines, which will be held Friday, August 15 at Powerhouse Arts.
To learn more or apply for Common Build: Gowanus, visit vanalen.org.