artists in residence for the harlem and lower passaic rivers

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Artist in Residence (AIR) pilot initiative to address critical water quality challenges is intended to demonstrate how arts and culture can help stewardship partners work more effectively with communities, build understanding of water quality and other environmental concerns, establish stronger connections between communities and their waterways, and better meet communities’ unique needs. The EPA AIR pilot was developed in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). It will support a broad range of local artists and culture bearers in six geographic areas within National Estuary Programs (NEP) and Urban Waters Federal Partnership (UWFP) locations.

Harlem River

The Bronx and Harlem Rivers Urban Waters Federal Partnership (BxH UWFP), in partnership with the Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) and the New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP), is now accepting applications from artists to participate in the residency on the Harlem River. The non-profit Hudson River Foundation, which hosts HEP and the BxH UWFP, is administering the Call for Artists.

A total of $72,000 is available under this Call for Artists. The selected artist will be expected to begin the 13-month residency in March 2025. The residency program will consist of a series of phases to connect with and learn about the River and the local community, develop a cultural project that reflects the community and the challenges and opportunities facing these waterways, engage the public in events showcasing the cultural project, and participate in evaluation of the overall program. The residency will include meetings and interaction with partners and stakeholders; community events and programs to gather insight and engage the public; and meetings with other artists and partners participating in this national program. The selected artist will then propose, create, and share one or more projects with the public.