EEAC News

6/1/2008

The New York City Waterfalls

Public Art Fund, a non-profit art organization working in New York since 1977, has commissioned a major new work of public art by internationally acclaimed Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. Presented in collaboration with the City, The New York City Waterfalls comprises four constructed Waterfalls temporarily installed in the New York harbor along the shorelines of Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and Governors Island. These Waterfalls will range from 90 to 120 feet tall and will be on view from late June through mid-October. They will operate seven days a week, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and will be lit after sunset.

The New York City Waterfalls will serve as an excellent means of exposing visitors to contemporary art, New York’s history and its natural environment. This monumental project will draw attention to the City’s natural environment alongside its industrial and commercial landscape. New York’s harbor has served as the gateway to America for the last four centuries and a point of origin for the City’s growth, and this work of art will insert nature into the urban cityscape, adding a striking element to New York City’s iconic skyline. In addition, the Waterfalls have been designed to be sensitive to the environment. The structures will not only protect fish, aquatic life, the river and the shoreline, but will also run on “green power”, electricity generated from renewable resources, for its operations.

In preparing for this huge undertaking, Public Art Fund is joining with government agencies and environmental organizations to develop educational resources for young people and adults to enjoy the Waterfalls. Partners include New York City’s Department of Education, the Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. National Park Service, and environmental groups including Riverkeeper, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Metropolitan WaterfrontAlliance (MWA), New York Restoration Project (NYRP), as well as Urban Assembly’s New York Harbor School, a public school that engages students through the study of the marine culture, history and environment of New York City and its surrounding waters. Printed material and programs will include activities that examine the waterfront through the topics of art, history, culture, environmental responsibility, aquatic life, ecology, water conservation and other related topics. Interactive art and science lessons based on the Waterfalls will be designed to complement field trips to experience the Waterfalls during the summer and fall for camp, school and other youth groups.

There will be a number of opportunities for the public to view the Waterfalls at designated vantage points along the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Governors Island waterfronts. Bike routes will be marked throughout these areas, and dedicated boat tours by Circle Line Downtown will be available. Additionally, supplemental materials including brochures with access information, maps for biking and walking the Waterfalls and a podcast are being developed. These resources will be available to download from www.nycwaterfalls.org in June. For more information, please contact Public Art Fund at (212) 980-4575.

related link: http://www.nycwaterfalls.org