Meet the Visionary Women Artists Bringing Creative Spirit to JFK Airport’s New Terminal, Opening in 2026
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has commissioned 18 additional artists to create installations for JFK Airport’s new Terminal 6. Among them are eight remarkable women artists representing seven countries, each bringing a unique cultural and creative perspective to this visionary project.
At MAG The Women Gallery, we are thrilled to talk more about this project that will capture the spirit of New York with a diverse range of artworks seamlessly integrated into the terminal.
Where Art Meets Architecture: Sculpting Space with Integrated Commissions
As Nicholas Baume, Artistic and Executive Director of Public Art Fund, says: “Art takes a starring role at the new Terminal 6.” This bold art initiative features some of the most extraordinary artists of our time, whose works will enrich the very walls of the new international terminal offering travelers an inspiring visual journey from the moment they arrive.
Charline Von Heyl
This prestigious program, led by Public Art Fund, the independent non-profit organization dedicated to bringing contemporary art to public spaces, underscores the transformative power of art in shaping public environments and sets a bold new standard for airport design. With a $22 million investment, it stands as one of the largest public art initiatives in any American airport to date. Here, art takes center stage, creating meaningful and memorable experiences for millions of travelers passing through Terminal 6.
Showing the spirit of New York
The featured artists, include ten based in New York City, will capture the spirit of the city through a diverse range of artworks, suspended installations, wall pieces, and glass works. Their contributions help create a distinct sense of place that reflects New York’s cultural richness within the highly anticipated $4.2 billion Terminal 6.
A rendering of JFK’s new terminal 6
This new terminal will feature ten large-scale glass mosaic floor medallions created by Charline von Heyl, anchoring the space with bold visual statements. The broader art program includes commissions by artists selected through a collaborative process led by the Port Authority, JFK Millennium Partners, and members of the arts community. Among the 18 artists chosen, eight are internationally recognized names, including Candida Alvarez, Shara Hughes, Eddie Martínez, Kambui Olujimi, Gahee Park, and Dyani White Hawk.
At MAG The Women Gallery, we are dedicated to amplifying the voices and works of women artists, who remain too often overlooked, ignored, or rendered invisible in the art world. We believe this initiative marks an exciting step forward for the women artist community. It is our hope that this is just the beginning, and that we will continue to see more opportunities that bring greater visibility and recognition to women artists, whose contributions are essential yet still underrepresented today.
Sources:
https://arsny.com/blog/ars-artists-take-flight-transforming-jfks-terminal-6-with-contemporary-art/
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/16/arts/design/artists-commissioned-jfk-airport.html