FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee Announces Public Art Project and Artist Call
In partnership with Jersey City-based ARTS 14C, one New York or New Jersey artist will be selected to join 23 globally renowned creators
Jersey City, NJ (March 6, 2026) — The FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee (“NYNJ Host Committee”), in partnership with Jersey City–based ARTS 14C, today announced an open call for one artist from the New York New Jersey region to join Art of the Game, a landmark public art initiative celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The program will transform the region into an open-air museum, featuring larger-than-life soccer-ball sculptures installed across communities during the world’s most-watched sporting event.
In honor of the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup™, twenty-three globally significant artists will be selected by a distinguished panel of museum directors and arts leaders from the following organizations:
- Centre Pompidou Jersey City
- El Museo del Barrio
- Newark Museum of Art
- Studio Museum in Harlem
- The Museum of Modern Art
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Brooklyn Museum
- New Museum
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- Studio in a School
- Van Abbemuseum
The 24th ball will be designed by a local artist from the New York New Jersey region. The selected artist will have the opportunity to showcase their work during FIFA World Cup 2026™. The sculptures will be on public display from June 1 through September 7, 2026, coinciding with the eight World Cup matches hosted in the New York New Jersey region, including the Final.
Artists based in New York or New Jersey who are 21 years or older are eligible to apply now at arts14c.org. Applications must be submitted by April 1, 2026, with the selected artist notified by April 13, 2026.
“This World Cup belongs to the people of New York and New Jersey. Opening this opportunity to the local creative community ensures the culture, energy, and identity of our region are represented on the world’s biggest stage,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the NYNJ Host Committee. “This is a once-in-a-generation moment for an artist to share their vision with millions of fans who live in the region and those who will be visiting during the tournament.”
Created in Brooklyn by Powerhouse Arts, the soccer ball sculptures are modular, with 12 pentagon and 20 hexagon aluminum composite panels, in traditional soccer ball pattern, covering a stainless-steel interior. The 32 panels are designed for painting, mixed media, or UV-printed artwork. The sculptures will weigh approximately 350 lbs. and will appear in parks, transit hubs, neighborhoods, and fan zones throughout the region, inviting millions of residents and visitors to engage with the work throughout the tournament.
“ARTS 14C was founded to expand opportunities for artists, and there is no larger platform in the world than the FIFA World Cup,” said Robinson Holloway, CEO and Founder of ARTS 14C. “Elevating one local artist alongside internationally celebrated creators is a powerful illustration of the creative strength of this region.”
Art of the Game was one of the final projects championed by the late philanthropist Agnes Gund, who envisioned a public art experience that would unite global creativity with local impact. Following the exhibition, the soccer-ball sculptures will be auctioned, with proceeds benefiting the participating artists and two nonprofit partners, Studio in a School and ARTS 14C.
Learn more about FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches being held in NYNJ via the Host Committee’s website, Instagram, X, Facebook and TikTok.
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About the FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee is the local organizing body responsible for delivering eight matches, including the Final. The NYNJ Host Committee coordinates between city and state stakeholders and FIFA to ensure world-class delivery of infrastructure, services, and fan experiences. Its mission: to create the most engaging, inclusive, and impactful World Cup experience for fans, athletes, partners, and communities.
Learn more about FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches being held in NYNJ via the Host Committee’s website, Instagram, X, Facebook and TikTok.
About ARTS 14C
ARTS 14C is a Jersey City–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to lowering barriers to the arts and expanding opportunities for artists of all disciplines. The organization operates a 125,000‑square‑foot arts incubator, exhibition space, and residency program, supporting hundreds of artists each year.
