The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) is thrilled to announce a call for artists for the third round of the Downtown is Pawsome public art series. This free outdoor placemaking project, located in the core of Albany, will feature ten 36-inch tall sculptures in the image of Albany's iconic canine mascot, Nipper the Dog.

 

The ten new canine sculptures will be placed in highly visible outdoor locations throughout downtown Albany's business and entertainment corridors from July to October 2025. Click here to view the press release.

ARTIST SUBMISSIONS

We invite artists, educational institutions, and community groups to submit proposals for the Downtown is Pawsome public art series. Artists of all ages are encouraged to apply, and there is no application fee.

 

Each artist/group will receive recognition and promotion in marketing and communication materials in addition to:

  • A $750.00 stipend will be provided for each sculpture to assist with the costs of materials
  • 2 tickets to the exhibit launch event ($120.00 value)  
  • 30% of proceeds from sale of sculpture at the end of the exhibition 

Artist applications are due by the end of the day on May 16. Click here to get started.

 

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The BID is seeking interested parties to sponsor this program. Sponsors can receive exclusive benefits, including the Right of First Refusal to purchase the unique artwork at the end of the exhibit. Other benefits include:

  • Exclusive logo placement on one Downtown Is Pawsome statue 
  • Complimentary tickets to the exhibit launch
  • Your company recognized on 10,000 walking tour maps
  • Recognition on social media, our website, and printed materials
    + so much more!

Leave your mark on this iconic exhibit, and support public art in Downtown by becoming a Downtown Is Pawsome sponsor. Additional details on this sponsorship opportunity can be downloaded here.

 

ABOUT

The BID initially launched 20 Downtown is Pawsome sculptures in the summer of 2017. The Nipper design resonated strongly with both artists and the public, resulting in nearly 90 applications for the project's open call for artists. The sculptures quickly gained popularity as local attractions and selfie spots for residents and visitors alike, prompting the commissioning of another round of Nippers in 2019. Some statues remain on display throughout the District during the warmer months.

 

Notable recipients of the statues include RCA Records, City of Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, and the family of the late Harris Sanders, the Capital Region architect who introduced the iconic Nipper to the Albany skyline in the Warehouse District more than 60 years ago. 

 

The sculptures still on display are in the following locations: 

  • "Capital Canines" by Mitchell Biernacki | The Olde English Pub & Pantry 683 Broadway (winter location: The Olde English Pub & Pantry phonebook)
  • "Patriotic Nipper" by Tamara DeMartino | Currently at the "groomer" and will be back out on display at a later date
  • "Cleeo of Clee Park" by First Church in Albany | inside First Church of Albany, 110 N Pearl Street (Inside First Church year round)
  • "Happy Puppy" by Hazal Ozturk | Olde English Downtown Dog Park, N Pearl Street & Clinton Avenue (Inside Albany City Hall rotunda year round)
  • "Industrial Anthropology" by Stephanie Levay | Outside Quackenbush Garage, 25 Orange Street (winter location: not accessible to public)
  • "Awaken" by Stacey Healey | Inside Quackenbush Garage, 25 Orange Street (winter location: not accessible to public)
  • "Up Above!" by Kimberly Schaller | Outside Renaissance Albany Hotel, 144 State Street (winter location: inside Renaissance Albany)
  • "Bloomie" by Liz Zunon | Riverfront Garage at Hudson River Way Pedestrian Bridge (winter location: not accessible to public)

View of Google map of the current sculpture locations and other public art projects here. 

 

CONTACT

For more information about the artist application or sponsorship opportunities, please visit downtownalbany.org/downtownispawsome or contact Don Wilson at [email protected] or 518.465.2143 x 112.