NEW YORK (PIX11) -- When you think of scaffolding and construction fencing, you usually think of an eyesore for the neighborhood.
But now a new city program is finding a way to turn them into art installations.
PIX11 News got an exclusive look at one of the first and largest art installations at JPMorgan Chase's new headquarters on Park Avenue set to open in 2025. The construction shed is converted into canvases.
37-year-old Salvador Andrade was born in Jalisco, Mexico, and raised in Chicago. He says it’s overwhelming to his artwork towering over Park Avenue displayed for several blocks in Midtown Manhattan. Andrade comes from five generations of migrant workers from Mexico and says that heritage makes this moment so meaningful.
There are more than 300 miles of construction fences and sidewalk sheds that protect New York City neighborhoods. The city saw an opportunity to turn these construction fences into a showcase of art. JPMorgan Chase’s HQ construction site at 270 Park is one of the first official installations in what’s called NYC‘s City Canvas Program.
The NYC City Canvas Program officially started in September 2023. It connects local and upcoming artists like Andrade to help transform scaffolding and fencing across the city.
No one is more excited than Laurie Cumbo the Commissioner of Cultural Affairs for New York City. Cumbo says the art installation on Park Avenue is the largest commission done in this program. Since the pilot, 119 artists have participated all across the city.
Andrade hopes people walking by, stop, and take some time to learn more about his art and culture and appreciate the stories of laborers who helped make it happen.
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