The New York Department of Transportation (DOT) is taking steps to ensure that local artists and creatives are involved in projects throughout the Bronx. Through their Asphalt Art program they partner with professional artists to paint large-scale murals on reused asphalt that has been transformed into pedestrian public spaces. These spaces can range from 1,000 to 8,000 square feet and are located near schools, community centers, art institutions, or commercial corridors. Every year, an open call is published to request the qualifications of artists who will be selected to be included in an artist registry and, subsequently, to be shortlisted for specific Asphalt Art opportunities in one of the five counties.
Artists receive a project fee to execute the mural. Organizations interested in commissioning self-financed asphalt works of art on a site they select must apply through Arterventions and can select an artist from the Asphalt Art Register of Artists. The Arts Fund (AF) helps Bronx artists and small arts organizations by supporting high-quality artistic projects that engage Bronx audiences with a wide range of artistic works from all disciplines, genres, and styles. These dynamic artists will develop their ambitious projects over the next two years and, at the same time, will present works of art from The Met collection and participate in Met programs. The AAA3A is an artist-led space in the South Bronx where living room events, face-to-face exchanges, meals, dialogues, workshops and works of art are created. It supports electronic media and film organizations, as well as individual artists, in all regions of New York State. The Bronx Council on the Arts encourages the development of a wide range of artists and arts organizations and creates strong cultural connections inside and outside the Bronx.
The Bronx Screening series is a popular film festival featuring short films by Bronx artists. Through his projects, Akinmowo has provided access to thousands of books for several communities in New York City. Support short-term projects that promote the preservation of historic sites, museums, artistic installations, including opera houses and theaters, and other culturally significant institutions found in historic buildings and structures open to the public. This program offers 2 to 3 free four-day intensive trainings, networking events, and resource talks for artists and arts groups in New York State, in collaboration with and organized by a local arts council or organization. Interested artists, performers and non-profit organizations are invited to submit proposals and qualifications in response to open calls published four months before each event. By taking these steps to involve local creatives in projects throughout the Bronx, New York DOT is helping to ensure that these communities have access to high quality artistic works from all disciplines. This will help foster strong cultural connections inside and outside the Bronx while also providing opportunities for local artists to showcase their work.
