The FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee and ARTS 14C Announce Legacy Program for The Art of the Game, Placing World Cup Sculptures in Permanent Public Homes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JERSEY CITY, NJ – As the world celebrates the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, one of the tournament’s most visible cultural initiatives is beginning its next chapter.
The Art of the Game, presented by ARTS 14C in collaboration with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee, today announced its Legacy Program, ensuring that many of the project’s 23 monumental artist-designed soccer ball sculptures will remain on public view for generations to come.
The sculptures will become permanent landmarks throughout New York and New Jersey, donated to municipalities, counties, parks, universities, museums, and other public institutions committed to preserving them as freely accessible works of public art.
During the World Cup, The Art of the Game transformed the region into an open-air museum, with the 23 sculptures – created by internationally recognized contemporary artists – installed in parks, plazas, waterfronts, transit hubs, and fan destinations throughout New York and New Jersey. Now, those works will begin new lives as permanent civic landmarks.
“The World Cup may last a month, but its legacy should last a lifetime,” said Robinson Holloway, CEO of ARTS 14C. ” The Art of the Game was never just an exhibition – it was designed to leave behind places where people can gather be inspired. As these sculptures become permanent fixtures across New York and New Jersey, they’ll be proof that a global moment can leave a lasting local mark.”
“Hosting the FIFA World Cup was always about more than the matches. One of our priorities from day one has been to ensure a legacy for New York and New Jersey,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee. “The Art of the Game brought world-class art into neighborhoods across our region and gave residents and visitors a new way to experience the excitement of the tournament while bringing people together through art, culture and sport. We’re proud to see these sculptures find permanent homes where they’ll continue to inspire people, celebrate creativity and remind future generations what this tournament meant for our communities.”
Each placement is intended to strengthen the connection between communities, art, recreation, and public space, creating destinations where future generations can experience the spirit of the 2026 World Cup through contemporary art.
Several sculptures have already found permanent homes, with additional municipalities and institutions across the region currently evaluating proposals to join the Legacy Program.
Municipalities, counties, museums, or other public institutions interested in hosting a sculpture are invited to submit a Letter of Interest or Legacy Site Proposal describing their proposed location, public accessibility, long-term stewardship, and plans for community engagement. Preference will be given to locations that maximize public access while demonstrating a commitment to both art and sport.
The Legacy Program allows communities to experience museum-quality contemporary art free of charge for decades to come, turning a celebration of the world’s greatest sporting event into a permanent contribution to the region’s public art landscape.
For information about the Legacy Program or to submit a Legacy Site Proposal or Letter of Interest, visit arts14c.org or write to info@arts14c.org.
