Port Authority and New Terminal One Announce Monumental Kelly Akashi Commission
27 October 2025
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and New Terminal One (NTO), the company that is developing the highly anticipated all-international terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport, today announced that seven internationally recognized artists have been selected to create monumental, site-specific artworks that will anchor the new terminal’s expansive cultural program celebrating the history, culture and diversity of New York and the airport’s home borough of Queens.
Sculpture, mosaics and murals throughout the terminal will be integrated seamlessly into a cultural program that will also include filmmaking, immersive digital experiences and the terminal’s branding to create a sense of place that is unique to New York.
Artist Kelly Akashi has been commissioned to create an 18-foot sculpture Migration of Flora will depict native flowers rising from a bronze hand, symbolizing New York’s international influence and the strength and togetherness that it embodies.
The public art program at the New Terminal One, developed by lead curator Culture Corps, will feature monumental, site-specific commissions all with a New York sense of place from internationally celebrated artists, including three who live and work in New York City. These artworks will echo the diversity and iconic identity of New York and help to position the New Terminal One as both a transportation hub and cultural landmark.
Read the full announcement by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and New Terminal One here.
Image: Portrait of Kelly Akashi. © Kelly Akashi, Courtesy of the artist and Lisson Gallery. Photo by Brad Torchia.
