The Port Authority and JFK Millenium Partners announce partnership with the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the company that is currently building and will also operate the new Terminal 6 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), announced  a new partnership with the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) to launch “Queens in Flight,” a rotating community art program that will showcase artists from the airport’s home borough. Curated by JCAL, the artworks will reflect the vibrant cultural diversity of Queens and contribute to the new $4.2 billion terminal’s uniquely New York sense of place when its first new gates open in early 2026.

A cornerstone of the Queens arts scene for over 50 years, JCAL will work with JMP to identify existing artwork that will complement the terminal’s permanent installations. Terminal 6 passengers will be able to view the artwork at three dedicated display cases during the first phase of the terminal’s opening, with the remaining three displays on view during the terminal’s phase two opening in 2028. All six displays will be located in high-traffic areas of the 1.2 million-square-foot terminal to showcase the community artwork on a rotating basis. Refreshed annually, the displays will spotlight the borough’s rich artistic heritage and create unique opportunities for local artists to sell their artwork to the terminal’s global passenger mix.

A selection committee comprised of local arts representatives and leaders from JFK Millennium Partners and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will select the community artwork and ensure the program reflects the borough’s unparalleled diversity and ever-evolving creative spirit.

“Art that is inspiring and evocative of our region is an essential part of the Port Authority’s mission to create world-class airports that are becoming a memorable part of the travelers’ journey rather than something to be endured,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Our growing partnership with the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning to promote the work of local artists will inspire millions of travelers passing through Terminal 6 with a unique New York sense of place.”

“Artists from JFK International Airport’s home borough will bring the unique spirit of our region to the new Terminal 6, welcoming visitors from around the world,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “We thank the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning for partnering with the Port Authority and JMP. We applaud the creative vision of these talented artists and look forward to seeing their work.”

“We are thrilled to partner with JCAL to bring the spirit of Queens into the heart of T6,” said

Karen Ali, chief operating officer of JFK Millennium Partners. “This initiative reflects our commitment to building not just a world-class terminal, but a gateway that honors and celebrates the community it serves.”

“The idea of a beautiful airport terminal welcoming millions of visitors to the ‘world’s borough’ is both exciting and inspiring,” said Leonard Jacobs, executive director of the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning. “The idea that our growing and flourishing community of world-class Queens artists will be centered and celebrated—it’s really a gift to all of New York City. JCAL, the cultural anchor of Southeast Queens, is so privileged to partner with T6 to launch ‘Queens in Flight’.”

The rotating art exhibits created by community artists from Queens will join an expansive and permanent collection of site-specific public art that will be seamlessly integrated into the terminal. A group of 19 internationally renowned artists, selected by JMP and the Port Authority, with the assistance of Public Art Fund, will create sculptures, suspended installations, wall works, and glass mosaic floor medallions that will reflect the culture and diversity of New York City. Of the group, 10 hail from New York City.

Local artists interested in submitting artwork for the Queens in Flight program are invited to attend the program's first information session, which will take place on July 14 at 5 p.m. at JCAL.

“This is an exciting new partnership with the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning as part of Terminal 6’s continued development,” said U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks of New York. “This collaboration is innovative for the Queens community because it allows local artists a unique platform to be celebrated and showcase their artwork in one of the world’s busiest airports. By integrating visual and performing arts directly into the terminal experience, JFK Millennium Partners and JCAL are not only uplifting homegrown talent but also providing travelers from around the globe a vibrant glimpse into the diverse cultural heartbeat of Queens. This initiative reflects the rich artistic identity of the borough and creates a space where creativity and community meet.”

“The 2.4 million residents of Queens include many outstanding artists who produce a wide array of exceptional works that reflect our borough's vast cultural diversity,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “It will be a great thrill to see some of their work on display at JFK's new Terminal 6, which will be a modern and welcoming gateway to the New York region for millions of travelers from around the world. The abundant talent of our borough's artists will certainly enhance the airport experience of all who travel through this amazing new terminal. I encourage our borough's artists to apply to be a part of this innovative and exciting Queens in Flight program.”

“The ‘Queens in Flight’ program is a meaningful tribute to the extraordinary creativity that lives right here in our borough,” said New York state Sen. Leroy Comrie. “Showcasing the work of Queens artists in a space as global as JFK sends a powerful message that our local culture belongs on the world stage. I commend JCAL, JFK Millennium Partners and all stakeholders for investing in a vision that honors the artists, stories, and identities that make Queens so unique.”

“The 'Queens in Flight' program at the new Terminal 6 celebrates the creative energy of our borough,” said New York state Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman. “This initiative highlights exceptional local talent by showcasing their work to a global audience at JFK. This partnership between the Port Authority, JFK Millennium Partners, and JCAL captures the authentic essence of Queens, demonstrating our commitment to nurturing our artistic voices.”

“Queens has always been an arts and cultural powerhouse, and thanks to this new partnership, travelers from around the world will see New York City's creativity through the eyes of the World's Borough,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “I'm thrilled that through the 'Queens in Flight' program, local artists will be connected to the global stage and Queens will be rightfully featured as the heart of our city's cultural identity. I thank the Port Authority, JFK Millennium Partners, and the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning for this meaningful investment in our artists.”