The below is an abridged version of the 2025 Public Art RFP (Open Call) and does not contain all sections of the RFP. For the full pdf version of the RFP, please visit the Brooklyn Navy Yard website, here. 

PERTINENT DATES

1. All questions are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on December 2, 2024. All questions must be submitted via this link. 
2. Optional information sessions will be held on December 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. (Zoom) or 3:00 p.m. (on-site in the lobby of Building 77, located at 141 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205). You must RSVP no later than 11:59 p.m. on December 2, 2024. RSVP here. 
3. BNYDC shall provide answers to all questions no later than 11:59 p.m. on December 6, 2024: Answers to questions will be posted as an addendum to this RFP on the Exhibitions + Installations page of the BNYDC website here. 
4. All submissions are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on December 15, 2024. 
5. BNYDC anticipates reviewing the submissions (BNYDC staff with selection committee) between December 16, 2024—January 15, 2025.  
6. BNYDC anticipates notifying Creatives if they have been selected as a finalist by or about Friday, January 17, 2025. 
7. BNYDC anticipates conducting interviews of finalist between January 21 – 28, 2025. 
8. BNYDC anticipates awarding a Contract between January 31—February 14, 2025.  
9. Artwork will be installed the first two weeks of May 2025 (must be installed by Thursday, May 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m.).  
10. Between June 1 – November 1, 2025: Participation in three programs, including the opening reception for the public art installation on May 17, 2025. Additional two programs will be scheduled with BNYDC staff. 
11. Artwork must be deinstalled the second week of November 2025 (no later than Friday, November 14, 2025, 5:00 p.m.) 

OVERVIEW 

The Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (“BNYDC”) seeks proposals for a new fence line public art installation (“Proposals”) from Creatives living in the borough of Brooklyn (“Creatives”). BNYDC will make a single selection for artwork that extends across the fence line in front of Building 3 that may extend onto the fence in front of B92 or into the forecourt of B92. This fence line runs along the north side of Flushing Avenue between Clermont Avenue and Carlton Avenue. Most of the installation will cover the fence line in front of Building 3. The Building 92 forecourt portion can be either an extension of the Building 3 fence line work or a separate freestanding installation that visually and thematically carries the design over to that public space.  

Proposals should respond to the theme of Our Brooklyn. Central to its mission, the Brooklyn Navy Yard drives economic impact for New York City by providing space for businesses to grow and create well-paying jobs. By creating job opportunities for the local community, families can build economic capital, leading to community growth. With over 37% of Brooklyn’s population being born abroad, diverse ideas and skills converge at the Yard alongside different cultures and traditions. Creatives should submit proposals that show how economic growth impacts social and cultural elements of a community while also celebrating the diversity of innovators and workers at the Yard and in Brooklyn. Emphasis should be placed on ways that communities come together through work, social, and cultural life. Artworks should celebrate cultural diversity and the richness that develops through communities coming together in dialogue and conversation.   

For this RFP, the Yard is NOT interested in historically-focused narratives, but those with a contemporary focus. The Yard has a proud legacy of art and industry, as well as being a campus that has supported innovation and invention for centuries. As such, Creatives should think thoughtfully about including the Yard’s history and legacy in their work, but submit proposals that adhere to the theme of Our Brooklyn as it relates to Brooklyn today.   

ELIGIBILITY 

Open to local Creatives who: 

1. Work for a business at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This includes anyone that works at the Yard at any of its 550+ businesses as a full-time or part-time employee (including business owners). This does NOT include Creatives who work at the Yard as consultants or as temporary workers. Employment must be current (No past employees; current is defined as working for a Yard-based business as of January 1, 2025).  
   OR 
2. Live in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. This does NOT include former residents. Creatives must currently live in a Brooklyn zip code at the time of submission (December 15, 2024). If you are submitting a proposal as a group, all members must live in a Brooklyn zip code. 

Individual Creatives or artist collectives are invited to submit proposals as long as they fulfill at least one of the eligibility requirements above. Only one proposal per individual or group will be accepted. If you submit one proposal as an individual, you may also submit one proposal as a group or collective. 

Note, all Creatives must have legal status to work in the United States. Creatives cannot be current employees of BNYDC or a city agency to avoid any conflicts of interests.
 

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

All proposals will be based on these criteria: 

• Be for new work. “New work” is defined as a discreet project or a new work in a series created specifically for this RFP. Previously completed work or proposing a new installation of previously completed work is not new work. If this project is part of a larger series, proposals may include previously completed elements in service of the new work/supporting the new work; however, the proposal must clearly show the creation of new work 
• Demonstrate a clear connection and mature concept tied to the Our Brooklyn theme 
• Showcase bold and dynamic designs that are highly visible and eye-catching along Flushing Avenue  
• Utilize site-appropriate materials and demonstrate an understanding of place. This includes taking into account the details outlined in the project overview such as the appropriateness of materials, installation methods, and location of work in public spaces.  
• Demonstrate thoughtfulness and clarity in written responses to questions. This includes articulating ideas clearly as well as outlining the use of materials, tools, and techniques. Be sure to convey experience working with proposed materials.  
• Include genuine enthusiasm for public programming with at least one program idea to compliment the artwork (if selected, Creatives will work with BNYDC on organizing two programs in conjunction with the commission) 
• Include high-quality work samples, which include detailed sketches, mock-ups, prototypes, illustrations, etc., that illustrate a clear visual work product. Work samples should also demonstrate a mastery of materials and craftsmanship  
• LIMIT ONE APPLICATION PER CREATIVE (If part of a collective, Creative can submit one application as an individual and one as part of a collective). If Creative submits multiple applications only their first application will be considered.  

SELECTION PROCESS: 

1. Submissions will be reviewed by BNYDC’s Assistant Curator to ensure eligibility requirements are met and submissions are complete. Invalid, ineligible, and incomplete submissions will be archived and not reviewed by the selection committee 

2. Qualifying submissions will be are then reviewed by a selection committee composed of BNYDC staff and outside arts leaders, creatives, and administrators 

• Round One: Committee members are assigned up to 20 submissions to review. Each submission will be sent to at least four committee members (two internal and two external members). Committee members rank submissions on a numbered scale 
• Round Two: Committee meets as a group to review highest ranking submissions from round one. Based on scores, this will be anywhere from 2 – 4 Creatives that will be selected as finalists  

3. Finalists selected: Interviews or studio visits may be held virtually or in-person with any or all Creatives after the receipt of their proposal. This will give the Creative an opportunity to further articulate their idea and discuss their experiences; BNYDC staff anticipates conducting these during the weeks of January 6 and January 13, 2025 with all interviews anticipated for completion by Friday, January 17 

4. Final work selected. Creatives sent Contract and paperwork for commission
 

MATERIAL PERIMETERS & CONSIDERATIONS 

All materials – from the artwork itself to installation materials – must be appropriate for the outdoors and not cause permanent damage to surrounding architecture and infrastructure. Materials must be able to withstand all types of weather, such as heat from direct sunlight, heavy rain, and high-speed winds. Because the Yard is along the waterfront, the site is especially windy, particularly in the fall and winter (the final months of installation). Artwork must be attached securely to the fence line in front of Building 3. For the elements included near Building 92, the artwork must be attached securely to the fence, and/or be attached securely to other fixed points in the building’s forecourt, which include internal fences, trees, and seating areas. Before installation, the selected Creatives will have to submit a detailed installation plan that includes schematic drawings for review by BNYDC staff architects and designers. Please see the full project timeline in Section J. of the full RFP.  

Creatives should be mindful that throughout the duration of the installation they will be required to check-in on their installation to ensure all materials are maintaining a professional appearance and to ensure materials remain properly affixed. BNYDC reserves the right to do an official walk-thru with Creative to inspect artwork halfway through the installation process in July or August 2025. If installation methods are not in keeping with the details outlined in this proposal, the Yard will require Creatives to return to the site to repair or reinstall their artwork at their own expense.  

As the installation will run along Flushing Avenue, a busy thoroughfare, it may NOT include any aggressive lighting, reflectors, or any other materials that would impede traffic. Installation must also not be dangerous to anyone passing via car, bike, or on foot such as signs that say “stop” or “go,” which will confuse moving traffic and cause accidents. No installation may include the use of lighting or electrical work. 

Creatives should understand that the installation is not intended to be a long-term or permanent installation, and to the contrary, is only intended to exist at the Yard for the duration of the Contract between BNYDC and the selected Creative. The artwork will accordingly need to be designed in such a manner as to be removable from the Yard at the time of deinstallation, i.e., the artwork may not, as a result of any inherent quality of its materials, fabrication, construction, or installation, be incorporated into nor made part of any building, similar structure, surface or fixture of or at the Yard. 

In no event shall the artwork installed as part of this public art project be used to depict any lewd, offensive, obscene, derogatory, discriminatory, or political images or messages. In the event that after installation is complete, the artwork is changed or modified to depict any lewd, offensive, obscene, derogatory, discriminatory or political image or message, BNYDC shall reserve the right to require that Creatives deinstall the artwork immediately. 

SPECIFICATIONS ON INSTALLATION AREA

1. Building 3

The proposed artwork will be primarily located along the fence line in front of Building 3, which extends approximately 485 feet. As outlined in Section Fiv, artwork can be draped, hung, woven, or otherwise temporarily affixed to the metal fence and cover up to 66% (2/3) visibility. Materials cannot obstruct passersby and therefore cannot protrude out from the fence by more than 8” (on the exterior of the fence closest to Flushing Avenue as well as the interior of the fence inside the property of the Brooklyn Navy Yard). Materials also cannot go higher than 2’ above the fence line.  

Additionally, there are 43 panels with five gates along the fence in front of Building 3 that are 100” - 110” in length by 82” in height. Each gate is flanked with large blue columns on both sides measuring approximately 2’ L x 2’ W x 104” H. Four out of the five historic gates are rarely opened, while one is an active entry way with a vertical turnstile for workers to enter Building 3.  

Whereas the historic gates may be covered for the installation, the working turnstile gate cannot, in any capacity, be obscured by artwork that may prevent people from moving in and out. Creatives may include the entry point as an active part of their design (use the concept of a gate and people moving in and out as part of their interpretation of the theme) or simply work around the entry point as part of their design. Creatives may incorporate artworks on or across all columns and gates except this active gateway. The other four gates will not be opened, so the design of your artwork does not have to incorporate the functionality of any of the other four gates. Please refer to Exhibit A-C for a map of the area, a photo guide of the fence line, and approximate measurements of each section of fence. Creatives should verify all measurements before incorporating them in final design plans. 

2. Building 92

As part of the proposal, Creatives can include Building 92 as an extension of the primary design. This may include the design on the fence line extending from Building 3 down to the front of Building 92, or Creatives can suggest a separate installation in the forecourt of Building 92. The design should be one contiguous idea and not two separate ideas. That is, if Creatives chose to submit a free-standing installation in the forecourt of Building 92 to complement their fence line installation, the artwork will be a direct reference and extension of the fence line motif and installation and not a separate work. 

Creatives should note that the fence in front of Building 3 is different than the one in front of some areas of Building 92. Building 3’s fence is a traditional slotted bar and post metal fence and the fence at Building 92 is a CNC designed fence and gate. At Building 92, materials may also be draped, hung, woven, or otherwise affixed, but the installation may not prevent the gates at Building 92 from being opened daily for visitors.  

The traditional bar and post fence in front of Building 3 extends to the east side of Building 92 in front of the Historic Marine Commandant’s House (five panels that extend approximately 54 feet). As with the fence in front of Building 3, the fence is 82” tall with the width of these panels being more consistent at approximately 10’ in length (the panel closest to Building 3 is cut short at just 36” across). 

The main entrance of Building 92, the central fence, is the CNC designed fence. Here, there are nine sections of fence that measure 8’ W x 7’ H (the first section is short and only approximately 5' W x 7’ H and the two opened gates count as two panels). The two panels that open for the gate are the fourth and fifth if counting from east to west (counting down from Building 3). These gates swing open daily from 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. As such, if proposals include the gates, materials may not impede its use, but designs should also take into consideration the movement of the gate. For instance, during the night hours the design from Building 3 down to Building 92 will be visually connected, but during the day, the gate will be open with parts of the installation at a 90% angle from the primary installation site. The approximate length of the perforated fence in front of Building 92 is 70’ W x 7’ H. Please refer to Exhibit C attached hereto for a photo reference of the fence line and forecourt at Building 92. 

If Creatives decide to propose artwork “off the fence” at Building 92, there cannot be any drilling, screwing, or structural changes that can be made to the forecourt pavers, its furniture, or Building 92 itself. As such, it is highly recommended that Creatives choosing to go “off the fence” utilize the forecourt’s trees, furniture, or staircase (not the glass windows on the ground floor; anything on the staircase cannot impede traffic or cause issues accessing the railing or using the stairs safely).  

3. Electric/water/Internet: 

The fence line in front of Building 3 has no electrical outlets, water, or internet connections. Proposals should not include any need for electrical outlets, water, or internet connections.
 

INSTALLATION & DEINSTALLATION 

The selected Creatives will be responsible for the full installation and deinstallation of their work. They must provide all materials needed for installation and deinstallation from paintbrushes to hooks to levels and pencils. The Yard will provide a place on site to store materials overnight and while work is in progress; however, the Yard cannot provide no labor, tools, or equipment.

1. Installation

The selected Creatives will be given a window of up to ten (10) calendar days to install their work. For projects that require more installation time, please clearly outline that in proposals. Installation must be completed by Thursday, May 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m.  

The Yard will provide indoor space for Creatives that need to do light preparation of their materials before installation. These spaces are not studio spaces but instead meeting and classroom spaces that are not intended for heavy fabrication. Appropriate usage includes such activities as sewing sections of fabric together (BNYDC does not have a sewing machine, but Creatives can bring one), laying out different materials and organizing them for installation, doing minor touch ups to painted surfaces (no spray paint, no paints that require ventilation), etc. These spaces may be available during the ten (10) day installation window, but Creatives may request an additional seven (7) days before the installation window deadline.  

2. Deinstallation 

While the artwork is on view, it will be loaned to BNYDC. At the end of the installation period, Creatives are required to completely remove their artwork. BNYDC will not retain the work in its collection or store the work. Creatives will be given a window of up to five (5) days to deinstall their work. For projects that require more deinstallation time, please clearly outline that in proposals. Deinstallation must be completed by Sunday, November 16, 2025, 5:00 p.m. 

MISCELLANEOUS CONDITIONS
          This RFP does not commit BNYDC to award any contract for the installation of public art. BNYDC:   

• May cancel this RFP at any time prior to issuing a contract and may also terminate and re-issue the RFP at any time  
• Reject any and all proposals received  
• Extend the time for submission of proposals after notification to all prospective respondents.  
• Will not be liable for any costs incurred in the preparation of a response to this RFP.  
• May waive, modify, or correct any irregularities in the proposals received, after notification to the respondent(s).  
• May change the amount of the budget or restructure the payment of budget funds if in the best interest of BNYDC.  
• Lastly, Creatives must comply with all applicable rules, laws, and requirements under local, state, and federal laws.  
• This is not an artist residency program. Creatives will not be awarded a studio space to work while creating their installation. Space is only provided in the immediate days leading up to installation for staging. If you are interested in leasing a studio space, visit our website here: https://www.brooklynnavyyard.org/leasing-opportunites/. To inquire about upcoming availability of spaces, you can email leasing@bnydc.org. 

Creatives awarded a contract as a result of this RFP process will be required to sign a Contract substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit H. If a Creative desires any material or substantive changes(s) to the Contract, please include such proposed change(s) in response to this RFP on the last question in the Submittable form, here. The contents of the selected Proposal, together with this RFP and any formal questions and answers provided during the Proposal process, may be incorporated into any final Contract at BNYDC’s sole discretion.

BNYDC appreciates your interest in this RFP and looks forward to receiving your Proposal