Ongoing

Common Build: BMA Design Installation

Open Call responses are due by Sunday, July 19, 2026. Learn more below and click here to apply.

Van Alen Institute and Broadway Mall Association are seeking emerging designers and artists for a temporary public design installation addressing the theme of “Eco-Mutualism.” The selected project will be on view March 2027–January 2028 at Mitchel Square in Washington Heights, Manhattan (map). See the PDF below for a field guide for installations at Mitchel Square.

What is Eco-Mutualism?

While this term is rooted in biological processes, it’s open to broader interpretations around sustainability of natural, cultural, and community resources. For this project, we’re defining Eco-Mutualism as an ecological interaction between two or more different species where every participating organism experiences a net benefit.

Projects might consider the following:

• Climate change: The challenges of trying to live in greater harmony with our natural and urban environments in the era of climate change (e.g. curbing the heat island effect, absorbing stormwater, or promoting biodiversity)
• Health and wellbeing: The importance of fostering symbiotic relationships in nature at a micro level, and how that can impact the health and wellbeing of our communities on the macro level
• Greater equity: The significance of protecting and sustaining our natural resources as a means of creating greater equity and improving quality of life across under-served neighborhoods

Field Guide

Click here to learn more about BMA’s ongoing public art programming.

We hosted a virtual info session on Tuesday, July 7. View the session recording and presentation slides below.

For additional inquiries, drop by office hours on Wednesday, July 8, 3–5 pm at Van Alen Institute (303 Bond Street, Brooklyn, NY). If you can’t make the office hours, email Shiloah Coley, Program Manager at scoley@vanalen.org to schedule a virtual meeting.

To be considered for this project, respond to the Open Call by Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Successful applications should demonstrate an understanding of the neighborhood’s ecological, cultural, and historical context. Designers and artists with a connection to Washington Heights are especially encouraged to apply. (Part of a team, collaborative, studio, or firm? Only one person needs to respond, but your responses should reflect the availability, opinion, and work of the group.)

From this open call, three shortlisted designers/teams will be invited to submit a proposal. Van Alen will award shortlisted designers/teams $1,000 upon submission of their proposals.

One winning proposal will be implemented. Van Alen will award the selected designer/team $8,000 as a fee for development and delivery of the project, and $25,000 for direct expenses for production, fabrication, and installation.