NOoSPHERE Arts Residency Award & Site Specific Art Installation

NOoSPHERE Arts’ Residency Award @ Kingsland Wildflowers is an annual open-call contest for unique, site-specific installations created by local artists for our green rooftops. Typically, the winning proposal is displayed on the Upper Meadow of the Kingsland Wildflowers rooftop community center throughout the outdoor season. The program aims to showcase non-intrusive, sustainable artwork that highlights our one-of-a-kind surroundings and encourages reflection on the environment and the mission and vision of the WE ARE NATURE series.

The award, originally sponsored by Broadway Stages (2022 - 2024) is presented by NOoSPHERE Arts as part of the annual WE ARE NATURE Rooftop Series. The winner is selected by a jury consisting of representatives of all partners in the coalition behind the Kingsland Wildflowers community center and curated by NOoSPHERE Arts’ Deputy Director, Daniela Holban.

The theme for the 2025 is The Microcosmic Dance

This 6th iteration of NOoSPHERE Arts’ annual rooftop series draws on quantum concepts to highlight the intricate and almost imperceptible movements at the smallest scales that echo throughout the world. According to quantum theory, stillness doesn’t exist. A particle can never be at complete rest. And vacuum is by no means empty space but contains fleeting particles that continuously pop in and out of existence. Our 2025 outdoor season programming will offer a reflection on the fast, indiscernible dynamics that underpin the microscopic world that makes up every component of nature. This year’s WE ARE NATURE theme is part of the global celebrations of the UN’s International Year of Science and Technology marking the centenary of quantum physics. Through art, music, dance and other performances, our featured talent will interpret some of the scientific, philosophical, and human aspects related to the quantum nature of the world. Uncertainty, entanglement, and delocalization are keywords of quantum jargon but also qualities of our lives. The season will explore creative intersections of quantum and human nature in a unique blend of art and science, allowing the public to reflect on the beauty and mystery of our universe, and harnessing the contemplation of microscopic frenzy to deliver inner peace.

Call for Entry/Open Call

Description: 

Open Call for a site-specific art installation that will remain on view on the Upper Meadow of the Kingsland Wildflowers rooftop community garden throughout the entire outdoor season of 2025. 

The installation should be non-intrusive, focus on sustainability, reflect on nature, and take into consideration the mission and vision of the WE ARE NATURE Series and the surrounding environment on and around the Kingsland Wildflowers rooftops, and reflect this season’s theme. 

Important Dates: 

Submission Deadline: April 30th, 2025 (before midnight EST)

Winner Announced: May 12th

Installation Timeline: Mid June

Opening Night: June 21th, 2025

Takedown: Last week of October - Early November

Disciplines:

Sculpture, installation, mixed-media

Artist Contribution:

We expect the awardee to install the piece between June 10th - 20th and attend the season-opening event (June 21st) where we will present their work to our audiences. The artist is fully responsible for installing and de-installing their work within the noted timeframes. We prefer that the artist is NY (or TriState Area) based so they can attend other events during the season where their work would be highlighted and do monthly check-ins on their work to ensure it is still in the right state.’

Residency Period:

June 21st  - October 27, 2025