FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
New York, NY, — The Design Trust for Public Space will be holding its annual benefit at the newly designed New York Public Library branch, theStavros Niarchos Foundation Library, on Wednesday, June 14th, 2023. Supporting the nonprofit organization’s catalytic work in making NYC’s public realm more dynamic, equitable, and accessible for all, the Benefit for Public Space will honor the 2023 Public Space Leadership Award recipients who are instrumental in the positive transformation of the city’s shared landscape.
New York City Council Member Carlina Rivera will be recognized for her work championing NYC’s public space through policy and infrastructure advocacy, and LaGuardia Airport Terminal C: Delta Airlines & The Queens Museum will be awardedfor prioritizing accessible and high-quality local public art in the redesign of the airport and commissioning NYC-based artists.
“Congratulations to the Design Trust for Public Space on their 2023 Benefit for Public Space being held in the newly designed Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera (D-02). “For nearly three decades the Design Trust has helped city government and communities throughout New York City reshape perspectives on public space and achieve ambitious visions of change. By redesigning and opening public spaces to people, we have unlocked so much creativity and made our communities stronger and more vibrant, and improved lives for thousands of New Yorkers. I look forward to continued work with Design Trust to shift the paradigm in how we create and engage with the built environment.”
“It has been wonderful for the Queens Museum to work in partnership with Delta Air Lines and Port Authority on commissioning permanent, large-scale artworks that echo New York City's vibrant and diverse communities,” said Sally Tallant, President and Executive Director, Queens Museum. “Collaborating with these six incredible New York-based artists – Mariam Ghani, Rashid Johnson, Aliza Nisenbaum, Virginia Overton, Ronny Quevedo, and Fred Wilson – is an exciting way for the Museum to play a part in making the new Terminal C a world-class cultural destination”
“Delta is committed to providing an elevated travel journey for all our customers and we recognize the importance of creating welcoming and inspiring public spaces within our terminals,” said Maria Martinson, Delta’s Program Director of LGA Redevelopment. “Our partnership with the Queens Museum in Terminal C at LaGuardia supports local artists as well as the vibrant cultural heritage of New York City and so we’re honored to receive this Public Space Award that recognizes our dedication to making airports more than just a gateway but also a part of the city's artistic fabric.”
“Access to public space keeps New Yorkers healthy and happy,” said Matthew Clarke, Executive Director of the Design Trust. “This year’s Public Space Leadership Award Honorees exemplify how we can best improve the cultural and democratic life of the city with equitable access to public resources like open and green space, transportation, and arts and culture.”
The celebration will also consist of an evening of fundraising and live performances from the Queensboro Dance Festival, featuring Chieh Hsiung and Yu-Wei Hsiao. Proceeds help support important active Design Trust projects including:
Green Space Connections, a collaboration with the Fund for Public Housing and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to create and activate community-designed green space at four NYCHA public housing developments for 14,000 residents in Brooklyn and the Bronx.
The Neurodiverse City, an initiative with Verona Carpenter Architects, WIP Collaborative, and a network of disability advocates to build inclusive public spaces where all of us, including those with “invisible disabilities” and sensory sensitivities can thrive.
Equitable Public Space Fellowship Program, our ongoing program empowering the next generation of design professionals.
Turnout NYC, a project with SITU to expand arts access across the five boroughs by leveraging underutilized public spaces.
Learn more about this event here.
Design Trust spokespeople are available for further comment. Please contact Alexa Mauzy-Lewis (amauzy@designtrust.org) to coordinate or if you are interested in attending the event as a member of the press.