Lionel Messi. Cristiano Ronaldo. Contemporary Art? New York City’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani is infusing the spirit of soccer into the Whitney Museum of American Art. As nations vie for the World Cup title on fields in Mexico and the United States, New Yorkers participating in an art project, announced today by the Mayor’s Office, will benefit from free entry to the Whitney.
Until the end of July, individuals presenting a completed World Cup-themed art poster will gain complimentary access to the museum. (Visitors under 25 already enjoy free admission.) Rich Tu, the artist behind FIFA’s official poster for the New York and New Jersey segment of the international soccer tournament, crafted the poster activity, which can be downloaded in both English and Spanish.
In a digital pamphlet, Tu, a New York City resident, encourages participants to “design a poster that conveys a powerful message” in response to the theme “where the world comes to play.” The artist outlines several guidelines, including the inclusion of a headline, tagline, and a focal visual element.
This initiative, co-organized by Mamdani, the New York-New Jersey Host Committee, and the Whitney, coincides with a surge of sports pride in New York City, sparked by the Knicks’ NBA championship victory earlier this month. It also follows Mamdani’s recent introduction of a free Metropolitan Museum of Art membership for SNAP participants.
“This partnership with the Whitney ensures that the World Cup excitement is shared by everyone, placing art and accessibility at the forefront of this historic summer,” Mamdani told Hyperallergic. Tu will also feature in a special museum event on July 12, with free admission for all as part of West Side Fest.
