Public Art Fund’s Dorothy Davila on the Transformation of JFK's New Terminal 6
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in collaboration with JFK Millennium Partners has unveiled an inspiring new art initiative set to enhance the passenger experience at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s new Terminal 6. A new collection of artworks including sculptures, suspended installations, wall works, and glass floor medallions, created by 18 acclaimed artists - 10 from New York City - set to capture the spirit of New York. Big name artists such as Felipe Baeza, Dyani White Hawk, Eddie Martinez, Shara Hughes, Sky Hopinka, will be a part of the new $19 billion transformation, with two new terminals; two expanded and modernized terminals; a new ground transportation center; and an entirely new simplified roadway network.
Curated by Public Art Fund, the independent nonprofit organization dedicated to art in public spaces, this project aligns with the Port Authority’s vision to transform JFK into a world-class gateway, similar to the internationally recognized terminals at LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International Airports.
A global hub, JFK serves as a gateway to the United States, welcoming millions to New York City and according to Dorothy Davila, Public Art Fund Director of Creative Partnerships and co-lead on the project, for nearly 50 years Public Art Fund has presented significant artists to the general public in New York City that reflect the city’s diversity. She tells artcurrently, “Public Art Fund has been collaborating with JMP and The Port Authority to create and to develop and implement one of the most ambitious airport public art programs ever realized. The collaboration aims to really capture the spirit of New York City and celebrate the creativity of a diverse group of local and international artists and offer visitors a travel experience that seamlessly integrates art into the Terminal’s design.”
The public art program at Terminal 6 showcases a range of mediums, featuring works by 10 New York City artists, as well as others from around the world. Each contributing artist was selected by a committee from Port Authority, JFK Millennium Partners, and Arts Community after submitting proposals that included research, background history, and context on the JFK airport. Davila says,“Artists thoroughly understood different aspects of the site, both architectural details of the terminal and also its broader cultural context. From there, artists were invited to conceive of iconic site specific works that capture the spirit of New York.”
This partnership brings together collective strengths to provide future travelers with an exceptional experience that celebrates community diversity, the brilliance of various artists, and the essence of New York. For Davila, inspiring and appealing public art is key to the Port Authority's vision. She continues with, “Terminal 6 at JFK will reflect the region's vitality and diversity in this dramatic transformation that demonstrates a significant investment in both infrastructure and the arts.”
Set to debut in 2026, this project is positioned to reframe the role of art in public spaces, turning the airport into a top cultural destination in its own right. Whether it’s assisting with the public art process or leading the selection and implementation of artworks, Public Art Fund is always ready and willing to step in and help curate the program, says Davila.“Port Authority has made a profound commitment to integrating artwork into future transportation hubs. I would imagine that they will continue to invest in that kind of a commitment over the course of the years to come. There's going to be even more art in more terminals at the airport and as infrastructure projects continue I think that the range of the work will be really amazing and museum quality.”
Ahead of its unveiling, one thing is clear: the merge of art and travel is on the incline at JFK’s Terminal 6.
Full List of Participating artists include: Nina Chanel Abney, Nevin Aladağ, Candida Alvarez, Felipe Baeza, Kerstin Brätsch, Teresita Fernández, Charles Gaines, Sky Hopinka, Sky Hopinka, Shara Hughes, Laure Prouvost, Barbara Kruger, Eddie Martinez, Kambui Olujimi, GaHee Park, Uman, Charline von Heyl, Dyani White Hawk, and Haegue Yang.
