DSNY calls on artists to 'transform' collection trucks

Volunteer artists will have about 400 square feet of “canvas” across the front, back and sides of each truck to paint murals.

Painted truck in the Bronx
2019 Trucks of Art participant Lady K-Fever stands in front of her mural.
Photo courtesy of the New York Department of Sanitation

The New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has announced the continuation of its Trucks of Art project, which will allow interested artists to “transform” the agency’s 46,000-pound collection vehicles. Participating artists will have about 400 square feet of “canvas” across the front, back and sides of each truck to paint their murals.

This year’s program has a focus on sustainability and “keeping New York City clean,” so each artist is expected to only use paints that would otherwise be discarded or recycled. Additionally, proposed designs celebrating the agency’s essential workers will be prioritized, reports TimeOut.com.

The deadline for submissions is Sept. 18, 2022. Those interested can submit their proposed designs here.

By mid-September, the agency will reach out to the selected artists who will then be asked to paint the vehicles by early October. Before being assigned to their respective routes, the trucks will be on display for the public to see during a mid-October media event led by DSNY.