The Armory Show and the US Open Tennis Championships have once again joined forces to present an inspiring collection of sculptures and installations on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. This collaboration marks the third consecutive year of the partnership and is a key component of The Armory Show’s broader Armory Off-Site public art project.
Running parallel to the US Open, from August 19 to September 8, the artworks on display feature a diverse group of artists, many of whom come from underrepresented backgrounds. This partnership serves as an opportunity for attendees to experience art in a new setting, merging the cultural moments of New York’s fall calendar.
Kyla McMillan, director of The Armory Show, expressed her excitement about the continued partnership. “We’re thrilled to again partner with the US Open to showcase artworks by artists of underrepresented backgrounds,” McMillan shared with ARTnews. “This collaboration helps us reach new and familiar audiences, creating opportunities for connection with both the art fair and the artists.”
Highlighted installations include Tetl Mirror I (2024) by Claudia Peña Salinas, which delves into Aztec and Mayan mythology and is presented by the gallery Embajada. Eva Robart’s sculpture Fantasy of Happiness (2022), featuring discarded tennis balls caught in a reclaimed gate, is presented by Ruttkowski;68. Taiwanese-Canadian sculptor An Te Liu’s bronze-casted Venus Redux (2018) will also be on display, courtesy of Blouin Division. In addition, Tomokazu Matsuyama’s vibrant sculpture Runner (2021), presented by Kavi Gupta, will grace the grounds.
Visitors to the US Open will be able to view these installations throughout the tournament. During US Open Fan Week, from August 19 to August 25, access to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center will be free, offering the public a chance to enjoy the art alongside tennis festivities.
As part of the Armory Off-Site program, The Armory Show will also host a series of performances throughout New York City. María Magdalena Campos-Pons’s Procession of Angels for Radical Love and Unity (2024) will traverse seven significant communities, including Harlem Art Park and Madison Square Park, featuring poetry readings, workshops, and performances. Additionally, Oliver Herring will present a 20-minute performance on the Bowery paying tribute to queer icons whose lives and careers were cut short. Another highlight includes David Salle’s new work, which will be featured in the Midnight Moment program at Times Square.
The 30th anniversary of The Armory Show will also take place this year, with more than 235 galleries expected to participate from September 6–8 at the Javits Center in Manhattan. A VIP preview day is scheduled for September 5.
The synergy between The Armory Show and the US Open continues to offer a unique intersection of sports and art, further enhancing the cultural vibrancy of New York City.
