Rockefeller Center has collaborated with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate Museum for its third annual The Flag Project. Each spring, this crowd-sourced art exhibition invites the public to submit art for consideration to be displayed on one of the 193 flagpoles that surround the iconic Plaza in New York City. The flagpoles, traditionally adorned with the flags of the nations recognized by the United Nations, are now flown at Rockefeller Center through May 6.

“Only One Earth,” the theme for this year’s art and World Environment Day, showcases the environment and how to live sustainably and in harmony with nature. UNEP and the Climate Museum selected the winning designs for the eco-friendly, biodegradable flags. This year’s Flag Project is also the focal point of Rockefeller Center’s Earth Day celebrations on April 22nd that will include free, public programming with the Climate Museum, including a talk on climate arts inspiring action with Miranda Massie, Founder and Director of the Climate Museum (presented in partnership with Never Stop Learning), Climate Art for Congress youth climate art and advocacy project, and additional activities. 

This call to climate action through public art coincides with Stockholm+50, an international meeting that will be held this June 5 in Sweden to recognize global action towards a sustainable society, World Environment Day and the 50th anniversary of the UNEP.

“This is a critical year marking important environmental milestones, including UNEP’s 50th anniversary and Stockholm+50, to gather momentum to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution,” said Ligia Noronha, United Nations Assistant Secretary- General and Head of the New York Office. “This collaboration with the Rockefeller Center is a great opportunity to call for urgent actions for a healthy planet for the prosperity of all.”

The first-ever Flag Project was launched in spring of 2020 and was Rockefeller Center’s first-ever, crowd-sourced art initiative. The exhibition was created to give New Yorkers and global contributors a creative and positive artistic outlet as the world was grappling with the effects of the pandemic and on-going social and racial injustices.

The Flag Project has routinely featured a range of artists, including Jeff Koons, Marina Abramovich, KAWS, Christian Siriano, Elliot Erwitt, Tyler Mitchell and Ryan McGinley. 

For more information visit rockefellercenter.com