By Kayleen Lopez
The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs’ Percent for Art Program invited local artists or teams of artists to create lasting artwork for the new recreation center opening in Roy Wilkins Park at the end of 2026.
On September 4, 2025, at 6:30 PM, an information session hosted by the NYC Percent for Art Program took place at the Saint Albans Queens Library. Artists from all over the city gathered to learn about this incredible opportunity to contribute vibrant art to the recreation center scheduled to break ground in late 2026.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards shared his enthusiasm with the attending artists, expressing his hopes for this art commission to engage young people and foster a sense of pride in their community. He aims to highlight the “greatness in this community that is embedded in this very project. I’m eager to bring this project to fruition.”
Since 1982, the Department of Cultural Affairs Percent for Art program has commissioned hundreds of site-specific projects across various media, all reflecting the rich diversity of New York City. The deadline for artists to submit their materials for the DCLA Artist directory was September 19, 2025. Local artists interested in participating in this exciting initiative must complete an Artist Form, provide links to images of their work, and email their submissions to PercentInfo@culture.nyc.gov. A confirmation reply from DCLA will follow shortly after.
An agreement is scheduled to be put in place in January 2026, setting the stage for a vibrant and collaborative partnership. With the construction of the recreation center projected for completion by the Summer of 2029, that will also be the time when the eagerly awaited artwork will be installed, marking a significant milestone for the community.