Big Apple Fest - New York City
The "Big Apple Fest" is a two month promotional & special event platform for the City of New York. The event will showcase over 300, four foot tall "Big Apple" sculptures in a public art exhibit.
The Big Apple Fest is running from August 15th through October 15th, 2004.
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Official Press Release:
NEW YORK, NY, February 23, 2004 — Hundreds of "Big Apple" sculptures, decorated by local and international artists, will grow in New York City this summer as part of the Big Apple Fest, a public art initiative to promote the city and benefit charities, announced NYC & Company President and CEO Cristyne L. Nicholas.
The Big Apple Fest, running from August 15 to October 15, will put a special glow on the Big Apple as the eyes of the world turn here for the Republican National Convention. The public arts program will benefit the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) and City Harvest, as well as the non-profit work of NYC & Company. The exhibit will be a collaborative effort between the organizers of the Big Apple Fest, the City of New York and NYC & Company.
"This unique exhibit will be a terrific attraction for New York residents and visitors, and will help shine a spotlight on the creative artists of our city," said Nicholas. "The Big Apple Fest also supports the NYC & Company Foundation's efforts to promote New York City's thriving arts and cultural community to a global audience."
"Big Apple Fest is a great way to bring artists, corporate and civic leaders, and families together to build community pride. Beautiful apples sponsored by civic groups and corporations will decorate the city and the Police Athletic League and City Harvest will share in the proceeds," said Nicholas.
"I believe the event will have a positive impact on our local economy as visitors from around the world stay in our hotels and eat in our great restaurants when they come to New York to see the Big Apples," Daniel L. Doctoroff, deputy mayor for economic development and rebuilding, wrote in a letter of support.
The oversized apples are four feet tall and four feet in diameter. They are cast from acrylic, allowing artists to create three-dimensional works inside or decorate the exterior. Artists will submit designs for the Big Apples by March. Designs will be reviewed by an artistic committee and presented to sponsors for consideration. Some sponsors are directly commissioning designs from particular artists.
Businesses and organizations pay $8,500 to sponsor an apple which is later sold at auction or $12,500 to sponsor and keep the apple. Larger sponsorship opportunities are also available.
- Children involved in the P.A.L. program will design Big Apples for display.
- The apples are being cast at Just Plastics in northern Manhattan.
- The apple sculptures will be installed in indoor and outdoor locations throughout New York City.
- Starting in May 2004, the public can watch artists transform the Big Apples into works of art at a Big Apple Fest design studio.
"Public art exhibits around the world have thrilled residents and visitors alike, with creative designs and innovative concepts. Big Apple Fest will highlight New York’s creative spirit and heighten awareness of all the new and exciting things happening in New York City," said Jonathan Clay, Managing Director of Big Apple Fest. "We hope the New York business community will embrace the Big Apples and help support New York City through artistic expression."
After the conclusion of the exhibit, Sotheby’s will hold both a live auction of the Big Apples. A substantial portion of the proceeds will benefit P.A.L., City Harvest and the NYC & Company Foundation.
The NYC & Company Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization whose mission is to support and promote New York City by encouraging tourism, particularly by supporting the arts and cultural organizations that make visiting New York a special and exciting experience, enhancing the City's positive image domestically and internationally.
Since its inception, the Foundation has focused on educating domestic and international audiences about the diversity of cultural experiences available within New York City. To support and promote its mission, the Foundation has created and implemented events including CultureFest, Broadway Under the Stars, and educational programs and initiated borough grants to promote tourism throughout the city.
For more information, including sponsorship and artist submission requirements, visit www.bigapplefest.org.
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