Tishman Speyer announced a new public art initiative giving New Yorkers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design the iconic flags that will be flown from all 192 flagpoles surrounding the Rink at Rockefeller Center this August.
Known as “The Flag Project,” the challenge invites New Yorkers to show their love for their city and submit their own artworks celebrating New York City.
Submissions are open from May 15-June 30, 2020. Tishman Speyer will select 192 designs and have each produced as an 8-foot by 5-foot flag. The winning submissions will be displayed together as a temporary exhibition in August 2020.
In addition to the general public, a handful of artists and notable New Yorkers will design flags as part of the temporary exhibition. Participating artists include Jeff Koons, who has displayed largescale public artworks several times at Rockefeller Center, as well as Marina Abramovic, Sarah Sze, Steve Powers, KAWS, Laurie Anderson, Hank Willis Thomas, Carmen Herrera, Shantell Martin, and Faith Ringgold.
“It is our aspiration that Rockefeller Center in 2020, much as it did when it was first built almost 90 years ago, symbolize the strength, perseverance, and beauty that is New York,” said EB Kelly, Tishman Speyer managing director overseeing Rockefeller Center.
“The Flag Project is a chance for us to honor the city and people who created our campus and reaffirm our longstanding commitment to public art. We are thrilled to provide New Yorkers the opportunity to create original works to be displayed around the beloved skating rink.
“We encourage New Yorkers of all artistic abilities to submit their creations for a chance to have their love of New York displayed in the heart of New York.”
For most of the year, the flags surrounding the Rink at Rockefeller Center represent the nations recognized by the United Nations. For special occasions, all of the flags are uniform, such as American flags on the Fourth of July, rainbow flags during the annual Pride celebration, and silver and gold flags during the holiday season.
Challenge guidelines, templates, and tips are provided online at rockefellercenter.com. Artists can submit their designs digitally at rockefellercenter.com or physically by mailing their filled in template and a photo of their artwork to The Flag Project at 45 Rockefeller Plaza, Rockefeller Center, New York, New York 10011.
For news and updates about The Flag Project, visit rockefellercenter.com
