Big Trucks. Big Art. Big Impact.
Trucks of Art returns in 2026, selecting five artists to reimagine DSNY sanitation trucks as moving masterpieces that serve New Yorkers every day.
This public art initiative is led by the NYC Department of Sanitation in partnership with the Sanitation Foundation. Independent artists are selected to paint active DSNY collection trucks using zero‑waste materials - paints that would otherwise be discarded or recycled.
This citywide program is made possible through collaboration and community support. Partners and donors help expand artist opportunities, support sustainability, and bring color and civic pride to neighborhoods across all five boroughs.
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
Applications for Trucks of Art 2026 are open now through February 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
We invite artists to transform fully operational DSNY sanitation trucks into roving works of public art seen daily across New York City.
Selected artists will paint nearly 400 square feet of moving canvas, receive a stipend of up to $1,500, and watch their work travel through neighborhoods across all five boroughs as part of the city’s essential services.
We’re seeking designs that celebrate keeping New York City clean, spotlight sustainability, waste reduction, and honor the essential workforce of DSNY. Above all, we want to bring color, creativity, and civic pride to the streets New Yorkers call home.
“Sanitation trucks have become part of our city’s streetscape, and today we announce a third opportunity for local artists to reimagine these trucks as 400 square feet of metal canvas and transform them into roving works of art.”
- Javier Lojan, Acting DSNY Commissioner
“We are proud to partner with DSNY on Trucks of Art 2026, a program that brings artists, communities, and Sanitation workers together in a highly visible and meaningful way. These trucks carry more than waste - they carry stories of creativity, sustainability and civic pride across all five boroughs.”
- Pam Harris, President of the Sanitation Foundation
Launched in 2019, Trucks of Art returned in 2022 - The celebrated project captured the imagination of New Yorkers and artists across the globe.
Winning designs debuted at major public events and received both national and international media coverage celebrating the program and works of art.
All 10 “Trucks of Art” are still operating on NYC streets today.
Trucks of Art returns in 2026 — bigger, bolder, and more visible than ever.
This spring, Trucks of Art 2026 will culminate in a public unveiling — bringing artists, communities, and Sanitation pride together in one unforgettable celebration.
The community is invited to join us for a free, family-friendly event in Union Square where the newly painted trucks will be on display.
View massive art-works up close
Meet participating artists
Enjoy hands-on activities
Learn all about sustainability, waste reduction and the essential work of NYC Sanitation.
You can even roll up your sleeves and volunteer to participate in Community Cleanups, presented by Mack Trucks.
“These Trucks of Art … beautify our cityscape while reminding New Yorkers that they’re our partners in keeping New York City healthy, safe and clean.”
- Kathryn Garcia, former DSNY Commissioner.
Our collection trucks are a part of New York City’s urban landscape, and these talented artists have transformed them into roving works of art that will inspire New Yorkers on a daily basis.”
- Jessica Tisch, former DSNY Commissioner
Just like in 2019 and 2022, the 2026 Trucks of Art will head out on daily routes across all five boroughs—combining essential city services with bold, public art.
Trucks of Art 2022
The project’s second iteration drew more than 240 submissions from artists around the world - including proposals from as far away as Israel and Sweden. The selected artists were:
Rymie, a Rockaway-based illustrator and muralist
Timothy Goodman, a designer, author, and illustrator
Donnell “Jigga” McFadden (Respect the Pound), a multidisciplinary artist
Young artists led by Jeremy Nunez, Career Advancement Coordinator for The Door’s Advance & Earn program, w/NYC’s Department of Youth and Community Development, 2022
Yukiko Izumi, a Sunset Park-based graphic and mural designer
Trucks of Art 2019
Trucks of Art launches, capturing the imagination of artists and New Yorkers alike. Nearly 100 artists submitted design concepts for this first-time art project.
LadyKFever, a Bronx-based interdisciplinary street artist
Dister, an artist, teacher, dancer, director and choreographer
Misha Tyutynik, a Ukrainian-born painter, muralist, street artist, illustrator and virtual reality artist collaborated with Victor A. Saint-Hilaire, a lead artist muralist with Groundswell
Alex Anastas, a teacher at Energy Tech High School, led a group of students on their design; they had spent the semester studying public art, 2019
Jillian White, an artist and DSNY civilian employee serving the Staten Island repair shop
THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS
We’re proud to hold the Trucks of Art Festival with the support of our generous partners. Thanks for their leadership and commitment to sustainability, creativity, and New York City.
Join us and become a partner here.
Promo Toolkit Coming Soon
Help spread the word. We’re casting a wide net and want to hear from artists across the city, especially voices that reflect the diversity, creativity, and neighborhoods of New York.
A newsletter mention, email share, or social post can make a meaningful difference in helping us reach artists citywide. Check out the Trucks of Art toolkit for turn-key promotional assets including, sample newsletter language, graphics and social posts.