Propose a Public Art Project

STUDENT PUBLIC ART PROJECTS 

Harvard Arts Festival, April 30-May 3, 2026

 

People sitting under a tent at Arts First festival
Musical Chairs by Conflux; displayed during Arts Fest 2023 (previously Harvard ARTS FIRST Festival). A collectively generated soundscape reflecting on themes of identity, sujective memory and oral history. Photo by Adam Kissick.

Do you have a dynamic idea for a temporary public art installation to be included in the Harvard Arts Festival? If so, we invite you to submit a Public Art Project Application.

Have your creative vision realized and on view for thousands of festival goers to admire and see during Arts Fest. Benefits include a project materials award of up to $1,500, advice on accessing labs and shop equipment to construct and build, project support and advice throughout the creation process, inclusion in the Arts Fest map and promotional materials and most importantly having your work on view in Harvard Yard throughout the festival. 

Public Art projects may include sculpture, multimedia installations, and/or installations with performance or augmented-reality components.

Students may propose outdoor projects for Harvard Yard, including the Old Yard and Tercentenary Theatre sites. 
Please check back for more information on potential outdoor installation sites beyond Harvard Yard.

Funded and supported by the Office for the Arts. 

Application Information:

The Arts Fest 2026 Public Art application will be posted here in September 2025.

Any application inquiries should be directed to Stephanie Troisi, Student Services Coordinator.

Project concepts will be reviewed for:

  • Artistic/creative merit
  • Feasibility
  • Suitability for chosen site, including safety, vandalism, exterior/interior suitability and visibility
  • Grounds, facilities and accessibility compliance
  • AFVS or GSD affiliation (preferred)

Application Includes: 

  • Completion of online application
  • Submission of supporting information listed below (online application provides additional information). Please upload all requested information in one multi-page PDF. Please name your file lastname_projectTitle.pdf 

Submission of a projected budget
NOTE:

  • Specify costs, e.g., materials, equipment, and/or transportation of materials—and total expense
  • Funds may NOT be used for artist fees, artist travel expenses, major equipment purchases (e.g., instruments, cameras), food/reception costs or documentation
  • The maximum funding that may be awarded is $1,500
  • Please indicate other sources of support if your budget is a greater amount

Submission of list of participating students
NOTE: It is recommended that you enlist other students to help realize this project. Include first/last name, class year, program enrolled in, email and cell phone number

  • Submission of images of a visual presentation of your project

For questions about the Arts Fest Public Art program, contact Kathy King, OFA Director of the OFA Ceramics Studio and Visual Arts Initiatives.

A floating, inflatable homage to Harvard’s subterranean steam tunnels, displayed in Tercentenary Theatre near University Hall during the 2022 Arts First Festival. by Amir Halabi GSD ‘24, Ian Erickson GSD ‘24, Jonathan Levine GSD ‘23, Leon Fong GSD ‘24, Justin McElderry GSD ‘24. Photo by Jake Belcher.
As Above, So Below: A floating, inflatable homage to Harvard’s subterranean steam tunnels, displayed in Tercentenary Theatre near University Hall during the 2022 Harvard Arts Festival (previously Harvard ARTS FIRST Festival). By Amir Halabi GSD ‘24, Ian Erickson GSD ‘24, Jonathan Levine GSD ‘23, Leon Fong GSD ‘24, Justin McElderry GSD ‘24. Photo by Jake Belcher.

Projects at sites other than Harvard Yard (e.g., house courtyards) cannot be funded and supported by the OFA, but if approved by the facility/office overseeing those sites, can be included in publicity for Arts Fest 2026. 
If you have a confirmed site, you may complete a publicity form to list your project in the festival program and online schedule.

If you are an artist seeking exhibition space for Arts Fest 2026 and have questions or need assistance, please contact Marin Orlosky, Arts Fest Coordinator.

If you are seeking funding for a different type of independent art project, consider applying for an OFA Project Grant.