Transforming Communities Through Art: New NYCHA Artist-in-Residence Program  

Calling all artists: Apply to be one of the first artists in residence at a NYCHA development as part of a new program, From Roots to Arts: Celebrating NYCHA’s Cultural Heritage, which will enrich and expand the culture, heritage, and art narratives within public housing by placing local artists and residents at the forefront.  

From Roots to Arts will span 20 months, from 2024 through 2026, and feature five artists who will have a residency at a NYCHA development in each borough. Artists will work closely with residents to create art and cultivate a deeper sense of community and personal expression while bringing their talents and perspectives to enrich the lives of over 12,000 NYCHA residents. 

The artist-in-residence program is supported by a generous $3 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to The Public Housing Community Fund (Fund), an organization committed to enhancing the lives of NYCHA residents. The Fund is partnering with NYCHA, the NYC Mayor’s Office, and several other City agencies on From Roots to Arts. 

“Thanks to the generous support from the Mellon Foundation, this initiative will foster a dynamic platform where art and community intersect and thrive,” said Alex Zablocki, Executive Director of the Public Housing Community Fund. “This is a clarion call to all artists passionate about making a difference in our communities—your creativity has the power to inspire and uplift. I encourage every interested artist to apply and join us in shaping a legacy of cultural enrichment that echoes throughout our public housing and beyond.” 

The NYCHA developments selected for the program are Astoria Houses in Queens, Bushwick Houses in Brooklyn, Bronx River Houses in the Bronx, King Towers in Manhattan, and Richmond Terrace in Staten Island. Each artist will receive a dedicated program space provided by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development and its funded Cornerstone programs. 

Prior to the launch of the program, approximately 200 NYCHA residents participated in community days where they shared their preferences and feedback on the type of art and artists they wanted to engage with.  

“It’s always exciting to provide residents with a positive outlet for artistic expression and this truly unique artist-in-residency opportunity will give the selected resident-artists an amazing platform to showcase their work in a way that enriches NYCHA campuses and communities,” said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “We are very thankful to the Public Housing Community Fund and our city partners for helping to bring this spectacular program to life for NYCHA residents, and I, for one, cannot wait to see the amazing artwork that comes from it.” 

Applications are due by May 19, 2024, and are open to all artists; NYCHA resident artists are strongly encouraged to apply. Artists will begin their residencies in July 2024 and be provided with $70,000 annually ($105,000 over the 20-month residency) as well as benefits and other program support. 

For more information about From Roots to Arts, visit the Fund’s website: https://www.communityfund.nyc/fromrootstoarts.