NJ Climate Resilience Public Art Projects 2022

The New Jersey DEP Coastal Management Program (CMP) was awarded a Project of Special Merit grant by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to support development of a risk communication campaign for coastal hazards. This includes a Community-Based Art Grant Program in partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The program will select three artists or artist teams to be paired with community-based organizations (CBOs) to create art installations in New Jersey's coastal zone that communicate coastal hazards impacts, risks, and actions to reduce climate impacts.

Any art form (visual, literary, performative, new media, etc.) will be considered as long as no new environmental disturbance results from the project. Art installations must be located in existing public spaces in the coastal zone and could include murals, light displays, installations created from community-collected trash, public performances, sculpture, or interdisciplinary installations. Installations cannot be located in or cause impact to environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, sand dunes, beaches, threatened and endangered species habitats, historic preservation sites, or marine habitats. Artists may apply as teams but must submit one application and accept the stipend of $7,000 as total funds for the project, including all artist fees. Submissions must be realizable within the $7,000 budget. CBOs may provide additional equipment and in-kind services such as chairs, marketing, installation assistance, projectors, speakers, and microphones. Art installations are anticipated to be installed and public programs underway between June and October 2022. Artists are responsible for cleanup and removal within 24 hours after the exhibition or performance closes.

Proposals will be evaluated based on artistic excellence, potential to further program goals, potential for positive community experiences, artist's experience with community-based projects, safety and environmental considerations, feasibility, CBO partnership ability, and proposal clarity. Selected artists will be notified no later than February 28, 2022, with project development and implementation planning occurring February 28 through March 14, 2022.