New York City Introduces Three New Appointed Public Artists in Residence

The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) has announced the selection of three artists—Ifoma Ebo, Stephen Kwok, and Mauricio Higuera—to participate in the Public Artists in Residence (PAIR) program. This municipal residency, inspired by the pioneering work of Mierle Laderman Ukeles with the NYC Department of Sanitation, embeds artists in public agencies to foster creative problem-solving approaches to civil issues.

Over the next year, these artists will work in various city departments: Ebo in the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit, Kwok in the Department of Small Business Services, and Higuera in the Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery Operations. Each artist will receive a $40,000 stipend and collaborate closely with agency employees to develop public artwork addressing pressing community needs.

For the initial four months, the artists will engage in a learning process through shadowing, attending meetings, and site visits to build trust and understanding. Following this, they will propose and implement collaborative projects that enhance the connections between government entities and the communities they serve.

Laurie Cumbo, DCLA’s commissioner, emphasized the importance of integrating art with public service to enrich the cultural fabric of New York City. Incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani also supports the initiative, recognizing its role in bridging cultural divides and promoting inclusivity in the arts.

Each artist brings a unique perspective to their role. Ifoma Ebo, from Creative Urban Alchemy, aims to use her art to create more accessible city services through participatory design. Stephen Kwok plans to explore how urban spaces can nurture diverse cultural expressions, focusing on transforming routine environments into dynamic social systems. Mauricio Higuera will collaborate with newly arrived New Yorkers and share their stories, contributing to the effort of the Housing Recovery Operations in response to the migrant crisis.

This residency reflects NYC’s continued commitment to integrating art into city life, fostering community engagement, and stimulating innovative solutions to urban challenges.