Los Angeles, CA, June 19, 2018—Americans for the Arts honored 49 outstanding public arts projects created in 2017 through the Public Art Network Year in Review program, the only national program that specifically recognizes the most compelling public art. ConvergenceLA (www.ConvergenceLA.com), a capstone public art installation at Greenland USA’s property Metropolis (www.Metropolislosangeles.com), was chosen as an honoree by public art experts at Americans for the Arts’ Annual Convention in Denver. This is the 17th year that Americans for the Arts has recognized public art works.
“Four years ago, Greenland USA was a newcomer to Los Angeles and we were welcomed immediately by the people, the city and local businesses. We knew we wanted to find a way to give back and were drawn to the idea of public art,” said Gang Hu, CEO of Greenland USA. “Created by local artists Susan Narduli and Refik Anadol, ConvergenceLA is a stunning reflection of the city and its interconnections, and we welcome all Angelinos and visitors to see this iconic destination.”
Greenland USA, a leading developer of modern and transformative properties, commissioned ConvergenceLA, a capstone public art installation at its property Metropolis. Using a 100-foot-wide LED media wall as its canvas, ConvergenceLA is a fluid piece that uses historic and real-time data to digitally depict the diversity, culture and creative energy teeming in Los Angeles. ConvergenceLA sits on the five-story facade of the first residential tower at Metropolis, a 6.3-acre mixed-use development in downtown Los Angeles.
“The best of public art can challenge, delight, educate, and illuminate. Most of all, public art creates a sense of civic vitality in the cities, towns, and communities we inhabit and visit,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “As these Public Art Network Year in Review selections illustrate, public art has the power to enhance our lives on a scale that little else can. I congratulate the artists and commissioning groups for these community treasures, and I look forward to honoring more great works in the years to come.”
The projects selected for Year in Review can be viewed on this page (https://www.americansforthearts.org/by-program/networks-and-councils/pub...) and are on display throughout the Annual Convention. Three independent public art experts—Bryan Lee, Jr., director of design at Colloqate Design in New Orleans; Karen Mack, executive director of LA Commons in Los Angeles; and Denver artist Patrick Marold—discussed the trends they uncovered while examining hundreds of submissions in selecting this year’s choices for the most exemplary, innovative permanent or temporary public art works created or debuted in 2017.
The complete presentation, which includes photos and descriptions of all 49 projects, will be available for purchase through Americans for the Arts’ store.
Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. With offices in Washington, D.C., and New York City, it has a record of more than 55 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.