Governor Cuomo Announces New Laguardia Airport and Public Art Fund Partnership to Install Major Art Works as Part of $8 Billion Rebuild

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a new partnership with the leading New York-based nonprofit Public Art Fund to bring inspirational, large-scale art installations to the new LaGuardia Airport. As part of the $8 billion transformation of LGA, the new Terminal B will replace the existing Terminal B passenger facilities with a new arrivals and departures hall, two new concourses, and 35 new gates, including 18 new gates that are already open. While the new terminal and concourses will dramatically improve the functionality of the airport, new works of art are intended to enhance dramatically the visual experience for travelers at one of New York's most important gateways. Specifically, the partnership with Public Art Fund will enable airport travelers to enjoy ambitious permanent commissions by four of the world's leading artists - Jeppe Hein, Sabine Hornig, Laura Owens and Sarah Sze. The artists' installations will be unveiled with the opening of the brand-new Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall later this year.

"New York's airports are the world's entry points into the United States, and they need to reflect what this state and country are all about," Governor Cuomo said. "As we are building a new LaGuardia to meet 21st century travel standards, we are also bringing in the work of renowned artists who capture the unique elements of Queens and New York, giving travelers a true Empire State experience the moment they arrive."       

The Port Authority, LaGuardia Gateway Partners, the private partner joining the Port Authority in the public private partnership redeveloping LaGuardia Airport's Terminal B, and Public Art Fund invited a select group of artists to develop proposals for original and iconic permanent commissions expressing aspects of the New York scene or sensibility and conceived specifically for the new LaGuardia Airport.  After a thorough evaluation of all proposals, four artists were awarded permanent commissions for the new Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall. Their four permanent installations will be complete for the opening of the new Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall opening later this year.

Rick Cotton, executive director at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said, "Building a whole new airport at LaGuardia doesn't just mean bricks and mortar, though we're certainly doing that. It also means transforming the experience for travelers with striking artwork that conveys a sense of place - a sense of Queens and of the Empire State. We are delighted that the work of these four prominent artists will serve as focal points inside the new Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall. This new partnership will help beautify, engage and inspire travelers coming through LaGuardia's Terminal B."

Kevin O'Toole, chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said "Great airports provide customers with an experience that surpasses expectations, and with the help of Public Art Fund, artists' work will be seen throughout the new world-class Arrivals and Departures Hall at LaGuardia's Terminal B. The artwork honors our diversity as a region and as an agency, while bringing the airport's public spaces to life."

Stewart Steeves, CEO of LaGuardia Gateway Partners, said, "We are thrilled to partner with Public Art Fund on this innovative project to continue to transform Terminal B into a modern, top-class airport terminal for travelers. Our goal in building a new Terminal B is to not only implement state-of-the-art advancements, but to also create a space that represents the soul of New York. We are confident that through this partnership, we have selected artists and unique pieces for the new terminal that reflect this vision."

Nicholas Baume, director & chief curator of Public Art Fund, said  "New Yorkers will soon have a major terminal at LaGuardia Airport that reflects the energy, vitality, and innovation of New York City. Great art and artists are fundamental to New York's DNA, and we are excited to collaborate with several of the world's most visionary artists, LaGuardia Gateway Partners and the Port Authority to create a unique new terminal that brilliantly expresses the creative spirit of New York."

George Casey, chairman of the board of LaGuardia Gateway Partners and Chair and CEO of Vantage Airport Group, said, "The addition of contemporary art in the new terminal is key to our mission of building a sense of place at the new LaGuardia, one that is in tune with New York City's great tradition as one of the modern art capitals of the world. We couldn't be happier to work with some of the world's most thrilling artists and Public Art Fund to inspire travelers as they visit Terminal B."