A public art campaign in New York City shows support for essential workers (PHOTOS)

Time Square Arts, in association with Poster House, Print Magazine, and For Freedoms, has initiated a public art campaign across New York City to honor and support essential workers.

The pieces feature work by artists containing public service announcements as well as messages of gratitude, love, and unity with the healthcare and essential workers of the city.

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“While images of an empty Times Square have become emblematic of how swiftly public life has shifted amidst this global crisis, the streets of New York City are not in fact empty,” Times Square Arts shared in a post on its website.

“Tens of thousands of New Yorkers head to work each day to sustain our city, from healthcare professionals, city workers, sanitation staff, grocery store and bodega employees, delivery people, and more.”

Joe Hollier/Times Square Arts

The initiative takes the work of emerging and established graphic designers and visual artists from across the globe and transforms the city’s iconic digital displays in Times Square to project messages of appreciation.

The initial stage will feature the work of more than 20 “celebrated designers,” while the second phase will highlight the work of more contemporary visual artists.

“A rotating display of designs will be on view in Times Square on an ongoing basis at the 15, 30, and 45-minute marks throughout each day,” the post explains.

Jessica Hische/Times Square Arts

The campaign will also highlight two crucial funds for the essential workers of New York City, The New York Immigration Coalition and The NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund.

The New York Immigration Coalition unveiled its #NYunited Fund to provide relief for the four million immigrants that live in New York, particularly those working on the front line who continue to struggle to provide proper food and housing for their families.

Edel Rodriguez/Times Square Arts

The NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund is led by The New York Community Trust and provides grants and loans to New York City-based non-profit organizations supporting “essential healthcare, food insecurity, as well as arts and culture.”

The fund was designed to address a multitude of areas, including supplying proper protective equipment, technological assistance, cleaning supplies, and support for financial losses.

While the state’s lockdown period has been extended to May 16, this campaign will provide the essential workers of New York City with a visual representation of the citizens’ appreciation for their dedication and hard work.