The $21.5 million beautification project of Jackson Avenue, between Queens Plaza and 21st Street, is finally nearing completion.
The project, which started in 2008 by the NYC Economic Development Corporation, is entering into its last stage and the final touch will be the installation of permanent public art. The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) has announced an open contest for artists who would like to be considered for the project.
“This is a great opportunity and we have informed all the artists that we work with about it,” said Chris Vilardi, head of LIC Artists, a non-profit organization that has promoted artists since 1986. “It’s a great way for artists to put themselves out there and show their ideas.”
The contest is accepting submissions until August 15. One or more artists will be commissioned to create the permanent art installation, which will be final stage of the renovation.
The project has transformed the formerly desolate stretch of a few blocks into an elegant pedestrian-oriented zone that is easy on the eyes. The newly built tree planted medians, the reconstructed sidewalks, new streetlights and benches all contribute to a new fresh look for the area.
“It’s a rare opportunity for artists to be part of such a big project in the city,” Vilardi said. “Even though the Percent for Art law requires that funding be put aside for art installations, the city often finds ways around it, like with the Queens Plaza renovation that’s worth about $60 million.”
The Percent for Art initiative was started under Mayor Ed Koch in 1982 and was written as part of New York City’s charter. It requires that every eligible capital project that is funded by the city put aside 1 percent of its budget for artwork for city facilities.
