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
