Lauren Haynes enhances Governors Island’s public art program with her curatorial skills.
Governors Island in New York Harbor has appointed Lauren Haynes as the new head curator and vice president of arts and culture. The Trust for Governors Island aims to establish the island as a premier public art destination in New York City. Lauren Haynes, previously the director of curatorial affairs and programs at the Queens Museum, is known for promoting emerging voices and underrepresented artists.
The 172-acre island has a rich history, originally used by the Lenape for hunting and fishing before becoming an Army base and later a Coast Guard facility. Since opening to the public in 2005, Governors Island has become a popular recreational and cultural resource, attracting 931,000 visitors last year. The island’s unique location, offering views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan, sets it apart as an art destination.
Haynes plans to expand the island’s public art program, leveraging its natural surroundings and the experience of traveling to the island. Governors Island features several permanent and long-term artworks by renowned artists like Rachel Whiteread and Mark Dion. Haynes will continue to build on this foundation, with upcoming installations like Jenny Kendler’s “Other of Pearl,” which explores marine ecosystems in Fort Jay.
With its strategic location and commitment to showcasing diverse voices in the arts, Governors Island is poised to become a leading public art destination in New York City. The Trust for Governors Island, under Lauren Haynes’ leadership, is set to elevate the island’s cultural offerings and attract art enthusiasts from across the city and beyond.
Source: The NY Times
