Percent for Art – GothamToGo

Image of Mayor Edward Koch who was the originator of the Percent for Art Program, along with Bess Myerson and the artist, Jorge Luis Rodriguez at ribbon cutting for ‘Growth’ in 1985 in the Art Park. Image via New York City Percent for Art courtesy of the Artist

*A 2021 Update ~ Art Park will be celebrating the 36th Anniversary on Saturday, June 26th from Noon to 5:00pm with art, music and more.

On June 26th, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs will celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Percent for Art Program, and its first art installation, Growth, by sculpture artist, Jorge Luis Rodriguez. Here are some wonderful images of the artist and Growth as it was being created, and a few thoughts on this historic occasion by the artist when we visited his studio in May, 2020.

Due to bad weather, the celebration has been rescheduled for Sunday, July 5th from Noon to 2:00pm. Stop by and meet the artist, Jorge Luis Rodriguez at Art Park. Please remember to wear a mask. Social distancing will be in place.

Continue reading “Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the First ‘Percent for Art’ Installation, ‘Growth’ and artist Jorge Luis Rodriguez in Harlem Art Park ~ July 5, 2020” →

Image via New York City Percent for Art courtesy of the artist

Did you know that since 1982, one percent of the budget for eligible City-funded construction projects must be spent on public artwork? It is known as the Percent for Art Law, managed by the City’s Department of Cultural Affairs.

The first artist selected was Jorge Luis Rodriguez who unveiled his installation entitled Growth in the East Harlem Art Park on June 26, 1985. Come along as we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the first Percent for Art Installation

Continue reading “34th Anniversary of the First ‘Percent for Art’ Installation in NYC ~ June 26, 2019” →