Want to be in an art gallery at the Port Authority Bus Terminal? Sunday is your chance

A 40-foot-high wall outside the Port Authority Bus Station on 40th Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues could feature your face as part of a new art exhibit meant to showcase the diversity of New York City.

The Garment District Alliance (GDA) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recently announced the launch of “Inside Out: NY Together”, in which passers-by can have their picture taken, which will then be printed in due time. real and displayed.

“Over the years, the Midtown Bus Station has showcased the work of some of the world’s most dynamic artists, which has helped revitalize the surrounding area,” PANYNJ President Kevin O’Toole said in a statement. . “As the busiest bus station in the world, we’re excited to collaborate with the Garment District Alliance, which will bring an immersive and impactful new art experience to commuters, community and tourists around the world.”

The completed installation could feature more than 1,200 people in black and white portraits along the 600 foot span of the wall. It officially begins on Oct. 3 and will run for five days, according to a statement from the two groups.

“This outdoor mural will weave inspiring and vibrant public art outside the bus terminal in cooperation with the local community to dazzle both bus users and local residents,” the Authority’s executive director also said. port, Rick Cotton.

But who will run the exhibition?

PANYNJ and GDA have lined up a Parisian artist named JR. The work of this large format photographer has been presented on the facade of the Palazzo Farnese in Rome as well as on the Frick Collection. JR’s website boasts of having the largest art gallery in the world, having left its mark on the walls of many famous cities.

JR exhibits his work for free, hoping to capture the attention of an audience larger than the museum crowd.

This initiative appears to be the latest in an effort by PANYNJ to revitalize the transit hub.

In January, the agency unveiled a new design for the Midtown bus station that officials say will be more eye-catching not only for commuters, but the surrounding community as well.

Incorporating contributions from up to 30 proposals, the new bus terminal would have space and load capacity for up to 300 to 350 electric buses for up to 160 bus doors and could be completed between 2030 and 2031.

In April, PANYNJ announced plans to make life easier for cyclists passing through the terminal with secure and low-cost bicycle parking space through a pilot program.