Innovative Thinking in View: Tsai CITY Art Installations

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Tsai CITY invites current Yale students to submit original artwork proposals for installation inside a space built for innovation and experimentation. This opportunity is designed for students whose work explores possibility, identity, systems, impact, and the questions that shape how people imagine new futures.

We are looking for work that:

  • Reflects innovation, possibility, creative problem-solving, and imagination
  • Explores the intersections of art, identity, systems, and impact
  • Invites others into reflection, interaction, or curiosity
  • Feels true to you, your voice, your perspective, your questions

Who will be chosen?

  • Up to 3 students will be selected
  • Each selected artist will receive:
    • An artist stipend (for your creative labor)
    • A production budget (for materials and supplies)
    • Installation support from Tsai CITY staff 

This is a paid opportunity that values both your time and your artistic contribution.

Who should apply?

Open to all Yale students (undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools). We strongly encourage applications from:

  • Students across all disciplines (not just art majors)
  • First-time applicants to public or commissioned work

Students exploring new ways to articulate visual art (muralists, photographers, etc.)

What to submit?

Your submission documentation can be simple and accessible. We are not looking for perfection; we are looking for ideas.

  • A short proposal (300–600 words) describing:
    • Your concept
    • What you want people to experience or feel
    • It's alignment with the theme of innovation, imagination, creative problem-solving, and possibility
  • 1–3 sketches, images, or examples (can be rough)
  • A simple materials + budget estimate 

Selection Criteria (Equitable & Accessible)

We are committed to a review process that values creativity, perspective, and potential, not just polish or prior experience. 

 

Proposals will be considered based on:
  • Authenticity of Voice
    • Does the idea feel personal, thoughtful, or meaningful?
  • Connection to Tsai CITY’s Mission
    • Does the work reflect curiosity, experimentation, interdisciplinary thinking, or imagining new possibilities?
  • Clarity of Idea
    • Is the concept understandable and compelling, even if it’s still evolving?
  • Engagement & Experience
    • Does the work invite people to think, feel, interact with, or see things differently?
  • Feasibility (Supported, Not Penalized)
    • Is this something we can help bring to life within the available space and resources?

You will not be evaluated based on prior exhibitions, resume prestige, or access to resources.

Selection Process

  • Phase 1: Initial Review
    • A diverse panel of Tsai CITY staff, Yale faculty, and students will review submissions.
  • Phase 2: Conversation with Finalists
    • Selected finalists will be invited into a short, supportive conversation to further explore their ideas (not a high-pressure pitch).
  • Phase 3: Final Selection
    • Up to 3 artists/teams will be chosen.

Timeline

  • RFP Opens: Monday, May 11, 2026 
  • Info Session / Optional Q&A: May 26, 2026, 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm EST 
  • Submission Deadline: June 15, 2026, 11:59pm  
  • Finalists Selected: June 23, 2026 (alternative June 30, 2026)
  • Finalists Notified: July 1, 2026 
  • Finalists Confirm Acceptance: July 8, 2026 
  • Installation Dates (Tentative): August 22-23; August 29-30; September 5-6; September 12-13 

This is your chance to take up space, literally and creatively, inside Tsai CITY. For questions about this opportunity, please reach out to Zoe Hunter at zoe.hunter@yale.edu.