In anticipation of the NFL Draft, Pittsburgh has embarked on a significant urban beautification project, transforming its downtown core with a diverse array of public art. This initiative, spearheaded by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, introduces over 35 new installations created by local artists, breathing new life into empty storefronts and overlooked urban spaces. As the city prepares to welcome an influx of visitors—potentially exceeding its population—these artistic endeavors serve to enhance the cityscape, foster community engagement, and offer a vibrant cultural experience alongside the sporting event.
The three-day NFL Draft, hosted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, is set to commence in the heart of the city, with major activities concentrated around Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park. The impending event has led to preemptive road closures and a temporary shift to remote learning for public schools, underscoring the scale of the expected attendance. Against this backdrop, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership's investment in public art stands out as a strategic effort to showcase the city's creative spirit.
Among the notable new installations is Joshua Challen Ice's "Aurora V2," an updated light piece situated in the historic Frank & Seder department store building. This artwork features a cascade of polycarbonate diamonds, illuminated from behind and subtly animated by programmed fans, creating a dynamic visual experience. Ice's other contribution, "Light Work (Night Shift)," also at the Frank & Cedar Building, incorporates salvaged materials like TV monitors and neon elements, reflecting a narrative of architectural growth and transformation within an abandoned structure.
Ian Brill presents "Periphery" and "Broadcast," two installations displayed in the storefronts along Fifth Avenue. "Broadcast" draws inspiration from the interconnectedness of communities, conceived while the artist played with blocks alongside his child. Meanwhile, atiya jones contributes "Beam Me Up," a two-part mural reminiscent of Keith Haring's style, adorning facing storefronts on Third Avenue and Boulevard of the Allies, which she describes as a visual representation of her own thought processes.
Further enriching the urban canvas, Brian Gonnella's vibrant murals on Smithfield Street celebrate iconic Pittsburgh elements, from the Penguins' mascot Igloo to the local Clark Bars, and a tribute to renowned Black photographer Teenie Harris, alongside a nod to Isaly's chipped chopped ham. Seth Clark's three sculptures, "Shaping Home," are placed in front of the Heinz 57 Building, a structure with a rich history of housing various department stores. The collective i/thee's "For Seasons" transforms an empty storefront into an interactive installation, where temperature-sensitive vinyl window decals respond to weather and human touch, altering colors in a dynamic display.
Concluding the artistic journey, Owen Lowery's interactive window installation, "The Worlds of Windows Window Shop for Window Shopping," graces a mixed-use building near the Allegheny River in the Cultural District. These diverse artworks collectively highlight Pittsburgh's rich cultural tapestry and its proactive approach to integrating art into daily urban life. The transformation of downtown Pittsburgh with these captivating public art projects not only prepares the city for the NFL Draft but also leaves a lasting legacy of creativity and community pride for residents and future visitors.