Founded in 2001, the Design Trust for Public Space Photo Urbanism program offers fellowships to local photographers to create a new body of work illuminating the public spaces of NYC. We believe that photography is vital to understanding our shared environment and serves as a critical tool for illuminating issues and opportunities in the city’s complex public realm

In 2011, we adopted a new curatorial approach to the program, linking the fellowship more directly to an active Design Trust project. By focusing the fellowship on a particular public space issue, we give the photographer access to communities and sites they would be unable to enter alone. In turn, the photographer’s artistic vision brings a new perspective, informing and illuminating the potential of our city’s undiscovered and under-used public spaces.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Apply for the 2024-2025 fellowship themed around water here!

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