How NYC's ‘City Canvas’ Policy Revitalizes Temporary Structures with Art

New York City, a metropolis defined by its dynamic skyline and ceaseless construction, is home to an estimated 300 miles of temporary protective structures, including scaffolding, construction fences, and sidewalk sheds. These functional yet unappealing elements are ubiquitous in neighborhoods across the five boroughs, often serving as a reminder of the inconveniences tied to urban development. In response to public concerns over their aesthetic impact, the city introduced an innovative policy — City Canvas.

This transformative initiative reimagines these structures as platforms for visual art, turning what were once eyesores into vibrant, community-centric displays. Enshrined into law through Local Law 163 in 2021, City Canvas is more than a beautification project; it is a testament to the city's commitment to enhancing the pedestrian experience and empowering artists while fostering a sense of local identity and cultural engagement.

The Genesis of City Canvas

Launched as a pilot program by the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in collaboration with the Department of Buildings (DOB), City Canvas was born out of the need to address the monotonous visual impact of construction-related barriers. Temporary protective structures, though essential for public safety, often blend into the urban landscape as stark, utilitarian features. The pilot program tested the feasibility and public reception of installing visual artwork on such structures, eventually garnering widespread acclaim.

Encouraged by its success, Local Law 163 was passed, amending the New York City Charter and Building Code to permanently integrate City Canvas into the city’s regulatory framework. Effective September 1, 2023, the law requires that when property owners file for permits to erect temporary protective structures, they are automatically enrolled in City Canvas. An opt-out option ensures flexibility, but the default participation highlights the city’s intent to normalize art as a part of its urban fabric.

Bridging Policy and Creativity

City Canvas operates through two primary avenues for integrating artwork:

1. Site-Specific Artwork: Property owners can commission custom artwork tailored to their specific location. This option provides artists with opportunities to create unique works that resonate with the local community’s culture and identity.

2. Pre-Approved Artwork: DCLA curates a selection of ready-to-use designs from artists who respond to periodic open calls. These designs undergo a rigorous evaluation process to ensure quality and compatibility with the program’s standards. Property owners can license these pre-approved artworks for a fee negotiated directly with the artists, offering a streamlined and cost-effective approach to compliance.

The pre-approved artwork catalog, launched with eight initial designs selected from over 500 submissions, is now a cornerstone of the program. These designs reflect diverse artistic styles and themes, ensuring that City Canvas projects resonate with New York City's multicultural identity.

Transforming Public Spaces

From its inception, City Canvas has sought to address three core objectives:

1. Enhancing Aesthetics

The program replaces the drab, repetitive appearance of scaffolding and fences with engaging visual displays. The integration of art into construction zones creates a gallery-like ambiance, elevating the urban experience for residents and visitors alike.

2. Supporting Artists

City Canvas underscores New York City’s role as a hub for creativity by providing artists with paid opportunities to showcase their work on an unprecedented scale. Licensing fees for pre-approved artwork, capped at $7,000 per design, ensure fair compensation while making the program accessible to property owners.

3. Strengthening Community Connections

The artwork displayed under City Canvas often draws inspiration from the neighborhoods in which it is installed. This localized focus helps foster a sense of pride and ownership among residents while creating a dialogue between artists and communities.

The Broader Impact of City Canvas

City Canvas represents a paradigm shift in how cities approach urban development and public art. Beyond its immediate impact on aesthetics and pedestrian experience, the program also offers a model that can be adapted by other urban centers.

About ArtBridge

ArtBridge has been transforming NYC’s construction fences into canvases for local artists since 2008.  Since that time, they have exhibited 187 artists and installed more than 100,000 square feet of art publicly.  Most exhibitions come through multi-faceted partnerships with the city, real estate developers, and local community groups.

50% of the ArtBridge projects are partnerships with developers

45% of programming is conducted in public housing (NYCHA) developments -- a program that embed local artists in public housing developments, in order to develop large-scale public art that amplifies the voices/cultures/talents of the city's 400,000 public housing residents.

5% of ArtBridge programming is abroad: Sao Paulo, Brazil, L'Aquila, Italy, and Cape Town, South Africa.

ArtBridge is currently looking to expand programming to other US cities -- either as a public art installer, or as a consultant.

This article is an excerpt from CODAreview: our 200+ page publication which dives deep into case studies, trends, and raw data on public art. This book is a groundbreaking resource for anyone working in the public art industry. Click here to learn more and order a copy today.