Welcome to THE BIG APPLE
Jamaica, Queens, November 18, 2024 – The Downtown Jamaica Partnership Business Improvement District (BID) is excited to welcome the temporary art installation, entitled “The Big Apple,” to Downtown Jamaica. Designed and engineered by LeMonde Studio, a Montréal-based design and production firm, The Big Apple is the artists’ interpretation of how New York City represents so many different things to different people. For some, it is the land of opportunity and productivity. For others, it is all about creativity and inclusivity. For everyone, New York City is the Big Apple. The artists wanted to create a unique structure that welcomes all New Yorkers and its millions of visitors to stop and reflect in a space that symbolizes the endless opportunities and magical moments New York City has to offer.
“Jamaica is the first neighborhood people encounter when they arrive in New York City via JFK, and it’s often their first experience in the United States. We’re thrilled to host The Big Apple on behalf of our community here in Downtown Jamaica, and even more excited for newcomers and locals alike to appreciate that the Big Apple energy can be found right here in Queens,” said Whitney Barrat, the BID’s President.
To introduce The Big Apple to Downtown Jamaica, the BID handed out keepsake apples filled with treats to the first 100 people to stop by The Big Apple during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held last Friday.
“The BID has been working to bring more public art to the pedestrian plazas in Downtown Jamaica, and we know that The Big Apple will bring smiles to our neighborhood,” said Sari Kulka, Chair of the BID’s Board of Directors. “We’re grateful to our partners at NYC DOT for helping to make this installation a reality.”
“Public art beautifies our communities and helps us to reimagine our city’s public spaces to make our streets more vibrant,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “I thank the Downtown Jamaica Partnership Business Improvement District and LeMonde Studio for their collaboration in making the Big Apple brighter and more welcoming right here in the world’s borough.”
The Big Apple was originally commissioned for the Hudson Yards neighborhood and has been displayed in Lincoln Square and by the Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. With support from the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), Downtown Jamaica is The Big Apple’s first stop in Queens.
The Big Apple will be on display in Downtown Jamaica at Parsons Plaza (Parsons Blvd between Jamaica and Archer Avenues) through January 2025.
To learn more about the Downtown Jamaica Partnership and stay up-to-date on all happenings on Jamaica Avenue, make sure to visit www.downtownjamaica.org, sign up for our e-newsletter and follow us on Instagram.
About the Downtown Jamaica Partnership (a Business Improvement District)
Newly consolidated and expanded in 2023, the Downtown Jamaica Partnership Business Improvement District (BID) is a central stakeholder in one of New York City’s fastest growing communities. Downtown Jamaica is the proud home to national and regional retailers, several major cultural and educational institutions as well as City, State and Federal Offices, and more than 600 businesses. The Downtown Jamaica Partnership seeks to maintain downtown Jamaica as a thriving business hub and premier destination to shop, work, live and play. For more info visit www.downtownjamaica.org.
About NYC DOT Art
New York City Department of Transportation Art (NYC DOT Art) partners with community-based, nonprofit organizations and professional artists to present temporary public art on NYC DOT property throughout the five boroughs for up to eleven months. Artists transform streets with colorful murals, dynamic projections and eye-catching sculptures. Sidewalks, fences, triangles, medians, bridges, jersey barriers, step streets, public plazas and pedestrianized spaces serve as canvases and foundations for temporary art. Since 2008, NYC DOT Art has produced over 450 temporary artworks citywide. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dotart and @NYC_DOTArt on Instagram.
About LeMonde Studio
LeMonde Studio, based in Montreal, Canada, is a transformative movement toward green entertainment combining interactive art with sensible technology. They are known for their beloved works in New York City like The Big Apple, Light Lane, Banc-Nana, Home Run etc. For more information, visit https://lemondestudio.com/, @lemondestudio.
Media Contact: Whitney Barrat
President, Downtown Jamaica Partnership
718-526-2422