Public Art Fund

March 21, 2024

Tender photographs capturing queer Black experience on view at NYC bus stops

New York City-based photographer Clifford Prince King shares a deeply personal glimpse into his life in his first-ever public art exhibition. Presented by the Public Art Fund, “Let me know when you get home,” features 13 new photographs King captured during his travels in the summer of 2023, providing an intimate look into the artist’s sources of "comfort, companionship, and love." The exhibition is currently on view through May 26 at 300 bus shelters and 30 newsstands across New York City, Chicago, and Boston.
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September 8, 2023

Fred Eversley’s first public artwork in NYC explores new dimensions in Central Park

A new art installation in Central Park invites New Yorkers to perceive the environment, others, and themselves through the lens of artist Fred Eversley. Titled "Parabolic Light," Eversley's first-ever public artwork in New York City is a 12-foot-tall sculpture made of polyurethane that prompts viewers to question the way visual and physical perceptions influence connections to the world around us. The sculpture is on view in Central Park's Doris C. Freedman Plaza through August 25, 2024.
more on the captivating sculpture here
May 18, 2023

In reference to U.S. border wall, new Brooklyn sculpture explores relationship with land

A new public art installation in Brooklyn questions how colonization and its impact on migration affect our relationship with land. Created by indigenous Alaskan artist Nicholas Galanin, In every language there is Land / En cada lengua hay una Tierra is a 30-foot-tall steel sculpture made of the same materials as the United States-Mexico border wall that spells out the word "LAND." The sculpture will be on view in Brooklyn Bridge Park on the north side of the Empire Fulton Ferry Lawn through the fall.
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August 23, 2022

Colorful paintings by artist Wendy Red Star on display at 100 bus shelters across NYC

Artist Wendy Red Star's first-ever public art exhibition was unveiled in New York City this month. Curated by the Public Art Fund, "Wendy Red Star: Travels Pretty" is based on 12 paintings by Red Star inspired by "parfleches," vibrantly painted rawhide bags created by certain nomadic tribes of the Great Plains. Used to store and transport food and other items, the handpainted containers were typically made by women and designed to compel "means of both self and tribal expression for those who created them," according to a press release. Reimagined on 100 bus shelters across New York City, Red Star's paintings celebrate parfleches and bring to light the history and importance of their use.
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May 17, 2022

New public art exhibit in Brooklyn Bridge Park explores ‘hybrid identities’ created by diaspora

Spread across three piers at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Black Atlantic is a new outdoor art exhibition inspired by the diaspora across the Atlantic Ocean and which proposes "an open, multifaceted, and heterogeneous idea" of Black identity in the United States today. Co-curated by artist Hugh Hayden and Public Art Fund Adjunct Curator Daniel S. Palmer, Black Atlantic features work from Hayden, and artists Leilah Babirye, Dozie Kanu, Tau Lewis, and Kiyan Williams. The exhibition is on view through November 27.
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June 2, 2021

Public art and cultural events planned for elevated terraces at revamped Grand Hyatt

The developers behind the huge tower that will replace the existing Grand Hyatt New York announced last week plans to open up its elevated terraces to the public for events. The Public Art Fund and Lord Cultural Resources will develop a cultural program that will bring art installations, community events, and other programs to 175 Park Avenue, the 83-story mixed-use building proposed by TF Cornerstone and RXR Realty.
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August 17, 2020

New large-scale installation of ringing bells to open at Brooklyn Bridge Park

A new art installation featuring five giant bells in 14-foot-tall structures will open at Brooklyn Bridge Park this week. Created by San Francisco-based artist Davina Semo, Reverberation allows visitors to ring each bell, drilled with a variety of holes to produce different tones and pitch. The exhibition, curated by the Public Art Fund, will be on view at the waterfront park from August 20 through April 18, 2021.
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July 2, 2020

Across NYC, 50 new public artworks respond to COVID and systemic racism crises

When coronavirus began to bear down on the city, the Public Art Fund conceived a way to bring an artful approach to the crisis. They teamed up with 50 New York-based, emerging artists for a multi-platform exhibition Art on the Grid. As the exhibit developed, though, "the parallel epidemic of systemic racism came into sharp and painful focus," they tell us, which led to both crises setting the backdrop for this powerful public art series. Now on display on 500 bus shelters and more than 1,700 LinkNYC kiosks across the five boroughs, the exhibit showcases themes such as healing and loss; community and isolation; intimacy and solitude; and inclusivity and excitability.
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March 6, 2020

Four permanent artworks will transform LaGuardia Airport

The ongoing $8 billion transformation of LaGuardia Airport has focused on bringing the airport's functionality into the 21st century, but a series of major art commissions will also enhance how travelers experience the overhauled spaces. On Thursday Governor Cuomo announced a partnership with the nonprofit Public Art Fund that will bring site-specific works by four renowned artists —Jeppe Hein, Sabine Hornig, Laura Owens, and Sarah Sze—to the new Arrivals and Departures Hall opening later this year at Terminal B.
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June 29, 2018

Historic fireboat gets marbled ‘dazzle’ design before it sets sail around the NY Harbor this summer

Marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, local artist Tauba Auerbach has transformed a historic fireboat into a modern "dazzle" ship. First invented by British painter Norman Wilkinson during WWI, dazzle camouflage patterns were painted onto ships to distort their forms and confuse enemy submarines. The Public Art Fund and 14-18 NOW, a U.K.-based art program, commisioned the painting of the John J. Harvey fireboat, which first launched in 1931 and helped the FDNY extinguish fires until it retired in the 1990s. "With Flow Separation, I didn't want to ignore the John J. Harvey's identity, so I took the boat's usual paint job and scrambled it. Dragged a comb through it," Auerbach said. "The palette also exaggerates the fact that 'dazzle'  was more about confusing and outsmarting, than about hiding."
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June 22, 2018

Portrait banners from Ai Weiwei’s NYC ‘Fences’ project available for sale to benefit refugee charities

Nearly a year ago, artist Ai Weiwei's project, “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors,” commissioned by the Public Art Fund, covered New York City with installations and banners in reference to the current international refugee crisis. Though the works are no longer on display, their message remains even more pressing. In commemoration of World Refugee Day on June 20, the Public Art Fund and eBay for Charity put Ai’s project back into public reach with the sale of limited-edition original portrait banners drawn from those made by the artist (h/t Surface). There are six banners in all, and sales benefit USA for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and the Fund’s mission to promote accessible art.
How much are they, and how do I get one?
May 21, 2018

Get a free hot dog and become a living piece of art at Brooklyn Bridge Park

This summer, from June 9th to August 26th, from 12pm to 6pm, Austrian artist Erwin Wurm's Hot Dog Bus will distribute free hot dogs to anyone who agrees to eat it. The Hot Dog Bus, which will be parked at Brooklyn Bridge Park, is presented by the Public Art Fund. The project’s goal is to both get people to eat (is this really a goal we need?) and to think of the human body as a piece of art, specifically as a sculpture. According to the Public Art Fund site, “it is the participation of the viewer that 'completes' the work.”
What's cookin?
November 13, 2017

MAP: Where to find all 300 works in Ai Weiwei’s ‘Good Fences Make Good Neighbors’ exhibition

Ai Weiwei's New York City art installation, "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors," is expansive: it features ten large fence-themed structures, more than 90 smaller installations and 200 banners found in all five boroughs. While the multi-site, multi-media exhibition might seem like a lot to explore, the Public Art Fund, which commissioned the project, has made enjoying Weiwei's sprawling exhibition easy. The fund has created an interactive map that displays all 300 of the famed artist-activist's artworks currently found at public spaces, transit sites, lampposts and monuments all over the city, as well as additional information for each.
Explore the map
September 22, 2017

Ai Weiwei exhibit will displace Washington Square Christmas tree this holiday

An art installation from internationally acclaimed artist-activist, Ai Weiwei, will be displayed at the same time as the Christmas tree underneath the Washington Square Arch this year, displacing the tree, which has been a holiday tradition since 1924. The exhibit serves as one part of the famed Chinese artist’s larger project, “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors,” which will feature ten large fence-themed works and more than 90 smaller installations across the five boroughs. As Bedford + Bowery learned, the plan is moving forward, despite objections from the Washington Square Association, who sought an appeal to have the project withdrawn because it will disrupt the usual holiday celebration, the second oldest tree lighting ceremony in New York City.
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June 29, 2017

Art Nerd NY’s top art, architecture, and design event picks – 6/29-7/5

Art Nerd New York founder Lori Zimmer shares her top art, design and architecture event picks for 6sqft readers! If you’re staying in town for the Fourth weekend, be sure to flex your cultural muscle! Check out a mix of fine art and architecture twice this week- first catch a slice of the Vatican at Santiago Calatrava’s Oculus, then head to the Park Armory for a project by Ai Weiwei and Herzog & deMeuron. Spend some time in City Hall Park with Katja Novitskova’s new series of sculptures, then relax in the rarely-opened New York Marble Cemetery for a group show by Ugo Rondinone. Party it up on the cobblestone streets of Wooster for their annual block party, then grab a blanket and catch Brigitte Bardot on the big screen under the stars. Finally, experience Paris’ Urban Arts Fair at Spring Street Studios- and check out a book signing with me on Friday!
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March 2, 2017

Art Nerd New York’s top event picks for Armory Arts Week 2017

In a city where hundreds of interesting events occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Ahead Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer shares her top picks for 6sqft readers! Armory Arts Week has come to New York again, bringing a hustle and bustle of artists, galleries, art buyers, and art lovers from around the world. The main event is joined by a myriad of satellite fairs that could keep you busy for days, including a new location of the SCOPE Art Show, a fair dedicated solely to paper, and VOLTA’s focus on solo exhibitions. To pair with the fair excitement, the Public Art Fund is installing an open-air mansion just outside Central Park, and MoMA PS1 opens its galleries for a food- and booze-infused party. Head to Brooklyn to see Chad Hasegawa transform ordinary house paint into Abstract paintings, or, if historic art is more your thing, check out a 9th-century shipwreck at the Asia Society.
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February 16, 2017

Art Nerd New York’s top event picks for the week – 2/16-2/22

In a city where hundreds of interesting events occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Ahead Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer shares her top picks for 6sqft readers! This week, the Red Bull space rechristens itself in style with a massive department store-style installation by Norwegian artist Bjarne Melgaard. Also this week, the Public Art Fund is battling advertisements with a city-wide ad screen takeover by 23 artists, while SVA’s Curatorial MA program hosts a panel about art and commodity. Buff Monster’s ice cream murals delve into the third dimension in a new sculptural pop-up, and William Binnie’s WINTER is coming to LMAK. LES gallery Pierogi welcomes a solo show by Elliott Green, and finally, The Museum of the City of New York celebrates the rich diversity that Muslims have brought to our city for generations in a new exhibit.
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September 10, 2016

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week- 9/8-9/14

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top picks for 6sqft readers! The art world is back in full swing this week. Head to Chelsea this Thursday and meander around the countless openings (and enjoy the cheap, swill chardonnay). Be sure to stop by Joseph Gross Gallery for their opener with Jesse Draxler and Chad Wys. Takashi Murakami's protege opens a show of her gorgeous embroidery, and performance artist Jill Sigman explores the world of plants and weeds through dance. A group of artists pay tribute to 9/11 with an immersive exhibition called Loft in the Red Zone, and downtown artists and performer Kembra Pfahler joins Howl for their Writer's Block series. Central Park is getting a brand new giant sculpture inspired by a shopping list thanks to the Public Art Fund, and Bloomingdale's semi-secret train car restaurant stays open for a special chef's tasting dinner. Speaking of food, sample all that Greenwich Village has to offer at Washington Square Park's Taste of the Village event. Finally, gather some patience and wait in the long lines to experience Refinery29's epic 29Rooms, which transforms 80,000 square feet of warehouse space into 29 experiential art installations.
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July 7, 2016

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week- 7/7-7/13

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top picks for 6sqft readers! July is heating up in the art world (and on the thermometer!). Take the month to check out my curatorial debut with Times Square Arts every night on the ad screens, head to City Hall Park to enjoy a new sculpture series, and definitely be sure to frolic in the balloon room by Martin Creed at the Park Avenue Armory. Check out the 1920s Chinese screen siren Ruan Lingyu in a film set to a live score by Gary Lucas, or head outdoors for a screening of April and the Extraordinary World in Riverside Park. Head to the Bronx for an all-female show at Wall Works Gallery, or if you're in the Hamptons, spend a day at Market Art and Design at the Bridgehampton Museum.
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May 5, 2016

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week – 5/4-5/11

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top picks for 6sqft readers! Another week of art fairs is upon us, with Frieze New York taking the lead (and the advantage of warmer weather). Spend the weekend hopping between Frieze, NADA, CONTEXT, Art New York and 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fairs, and their many, many affiliated events. If the whole ordeal is just too much for you, no worries. Marina Abramovic's former lover and partner ULAY will perform in New York for the first time since 1986, Martin Creed's giant neon sculpture will illuminate Brooklyn Bridge Park for the Public Art Fund, and Duke Riley will entice Creative Time fans with a flock of LED equipped pigeons that will fly over the East River in a special performance.
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April 14, 2016

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week – 4/14-4/20

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top picks for 6sqft readers! This week, check out the giant swimming pool that is smack in the middle of Rockefeller Center, or frolic with the two-story bunnies in Battery Park City. Photographer Joe Russo shares pieces from his years of shooting celebs and artists, and the annual AIPAD photographer show takes over the gorgeous Park Avenue Armory. Music novelist Ben Vendetta talks about 90s Brit Pop at Otto's Shrunken Head, and old school graffiti artist BIO shares new work in the Bronx. And finally, save your pennies to party in style with Swizz Beatz at the Brooklyn Museum.
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February 18, 2016

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week – 2/18-2/24

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top picks for 6sqft readers! This week's less-frigid temperatures mean a great opportunity to head to Doris C. Freedman Plaza at the bottom of Central Park to experience the Public Art Fund's latest installation before it closes next week. Across the park, the final performance of the New York City Ballet's collaboration with artist Marcel Dzama is guaranteed not to disappoint (those costumes!). Ground Floor Gallery in Brooklyn is opening a group show inspired by the rare stone lapis, and Charlie Chaplin lights up the theater at the Rubin Museum. Semi-autobiographical film "Candy Apple" will accompany a chance to chat with director Dean Dempsey, and iconic art critic Hal Foster speaks at the Pratt Institue. Finally, as the ultimate example of the Williamsburg rent hike, seminal Williamsburg gallery PIEROGI opens its doors in... Manhattan.
All the best events to check out here
January 21, 2016

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week – 1/21-1/27

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top picks for 6sqft readers! It may not be Armory week, but you can still get your art fair fill at the sixth annual Outsider Art Fair, which showcases non-traditional and untrained artists (think Henry Darger and modern counterparts). Taxidermy artist Joseph Grazi invites you to hear his musical side, and Mickalene Thomas shares her photographer inspirations at Aperture. Adrian Villar Rojas talks about his otherworldly sculptures with the Public Art Fund, and stencil legend Nick Walker takes up residence at the Quin. You can push your art experience to learn more about love with Lainie Love Dalby, or experience the aesthetics of Jessica Calderwood. Finish up the week with the Victorian sensibilities of Allison Sommers at Last Rites.
All the best events to check out here
December 18, 2015

Why Is the Face of This Clock in Central Park Rotating Backwards?

At first glance, it looks like an ordinary 19th century street clock, but when you notice its movement, things get a little weird. Located at Central Park's Doris C. Freedman Plaza, the clock's face rotates backwards, while the second hand appears to remain upright and stationary at all times (h/t Laughing Squid). What'll really throw you for a loop is that the clock is displaying the correct time, but because of how accustomed we are to the regular rotation, it's almost impossible to read. Titled "Against the Run," the clock was created by Alicja Kwade for the Public Art Fund. The Polish-born, Berlin-based artist wanted to challenge "the systems we invent to make sense of our lives," thereby forcing us to "see 'reality' from a new perspective."
More about the trippy clock
November 12, 2015

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week – 11/12-11/18

In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top picks for 6sqft readers! Be the first to take a pic of the giant new "YO" (or is it OY?) sculpture in Brooklyn Bridge Park which was installed this week. Take in an artist talk with Awol Erizku, who challenges the traditional idea of the male gaze, Fiona Banner as she talks language with the Public Art Fund, or head to the Fashion Institute of Technology for a panel discussion on art in the age of surveillance. Fernando Do Campo unveils a new site-specific installation in Chelsea, Kim Keever's abstract underwater pigment swirls enliven Waterhouse and Dodd, and Paul Booth revamps his goth gallery, reopening this week. After it's all said and done, chow down on hot dogs and beer at Paul Pretzer's studio while getting a sneak peak of his January solo show.
All the best events to check out here