Compiled by Linda Collins
Brooklyn Daily Eagle

BROOKLYN — Monday, Feb. 22, is the deadline for Brooklyn artists wishing to design permanent works of art for various plaza sites throughout the city, including three in Brooklyn.

In an effort to create more public art, the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Percent for Art Program, in conjunction with the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) inviting artists citywide to submit their qualifications and letters of interest.

Six artists will be selected for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 — the city’s fiscal year begins in July — to incorporate their permanent art and designs into one of six plaza locations.

Responses are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22, at the DCLA office, 31 Chambers St., second floor, Manhattan.

The six plazas are a part of a PlaNYC-initiated program that aims to improve the public realm in the city by reclaiming underutilized street spaces and redesigning them into successful public pedestrian plazas.

3 Plaza Sites in Brooklyn

In Brooklyn, there are three planned plaza projects. Each plaza project site will be designed with input from the nonprofit partners and city agencies.

• Knickerbocker Plaza, Bushwick — A plaza on Knickerbocker Avenue, between Myrtle and Greene. The nonprofit partner is the Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council Inc.; the landscape architect is Abel Bainsson Butz LLP.

• Humboldt Plaza, East Williamsburg — A plaza at the landing of the elevated train (M) station on Humboldt Street, between Moore and Varet Streets. The nonprofit partner is Brooklyn Economic Development Corp. (BEDC); the landscape architects is Abel Bainsson Butz LLP.

• Myrtle Avenue Plaza, Clinton Hill — A plaza at a temporary street closure on Myrtle Avenue. between Grand Avenue and Emerson Place. The nonprofit partner is Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project (MARP); the landscape architect to be announced.

For additional information, please email NYCplazas@culture.nyc.gov.

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