SoMad NYC Bathroom Art Commission 2027: $5,000–$25,000 for Immersive, Interactive and Light-Based Design
New York arts organisation SoMad is commissioning artists to transform eight bathrooms in its future building into site-specific environments. Proposals close 11 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. Projects may involve image-making, sculpture, immersive installation, light, materials, experimental design or interactive elements, provided the rooms remain safe, functional and maintainable bathrooms. Total project budgets range from US$5,000 to US$25,000 depending on scale, and the artist fee forms part of that same budget rather than being added on top.
Eight rooms of different sizes
The commissions cover compact stalls of about 14 square feet, ordinary single-occupancy bathrooms around 35 square feet, ADA-accessible rooms near 45 square feet, and an accessible shower bathroom of approximately 68 square feet. Each room comes with fixed plumbing and accessibility parameters. Selected artists will work with the SoMad team to match the concept to a viable footprint and discuss durable material, lighting, cleaning access, moisture resistance and maintenance. A proposal does not need to replicate a typical gallery installation, but it must allow the room to serve its everyday function.
Budget includes the artist's fee
The organiser lists US$5,000–US$25,000 total project budgets and asks artists to estimate specialty work beyond basic construction. Artist fees are approximately 30–40% of an approved project budget, with a minimum US$2,500. Standard construction components are outside the specialty art proposal, but project expenses must be realistic; additional costs beyond the agreed limit require written authorisation. Do not read the budget as an unconditional prize paid just for submitting a concept.
Proposal and development calendar
The official online form asks about the artist's practice, space choice, conceptual core, visual references or mood board, materials and installation method, budget, availability, safety and maintenance. The deadline is 11 November 2026; finalists will be interviewed between late November and January, and selections are expected by 22 January 2027. Design development and installation occur across 2027, with completion targeted for October. Artists who cannot coordinate the on-site build should make those logistics explicit at application.
Institutional context and safe commission terms
SoMad is a New York artist community and creative space developing a new building for 2027. Its first-party call documents the different rooms, example layouts, contact email hello@somad.nyc and budget policy. Applicants should seek a written contract specifying artist fees, construction deadlines, image rights, insurance and long-term maintenance responsibilities before beginning fabrication.
Official rules and application
Information verified on 22 October 2026. Confirm all current dates, conditions, fees and exhibition or rights terms with the organiser before applying.