Van Alen Institute and Broadway Mall Association are seeking emerging designers and artists for a temporary public design installation addressing the theme of “Eco-Mutualism.” The selected project will be on view March 2027–January 2028 at Mitchel Square in Washington Heights, Manhattan. See the PDF below for a field guide for installations at Mitchel Square. What is Eco-Mutualism? While this term is rooted in biological processes, it’s open to broader interpretations around sustainability of natural, cultural, and community resources. For this project, we’re defining Eco-Mutualism as an ecological interaction between two or more different species where every participating organism experiences a net benefit. Projects might consider the following: Climate change: The challenges of trying to live in greater harmony with our natural and urban environments in the era of climate change (e.g. curbing the heat island effect, absorbing stormwater, or promoting biodiversity) Health and wellbeing: The importance of fostering symbiotic relationships in nature at a micro level, and how that can impact the health and wellbeing of our communities on the macro level Greater equity: The significance of protecting and sustaining our natural resources as a means of creating greater equity and improving quality of life across under-served neighborhoods