Art Production Fund: A Public Cause

The Art Production Fund is a non-profit organization founded in 2000 dedicated to commissioning and producing ambitious public art projects all around the USA, with the goal of reaching new audiences and expanding awareness through contemporary art.

Past projects include Jeff Koons’ “Seated Ballerina” and Shantell Martin’s “ART SUNDAE” in Rockefeller Plaza NYC, Zoe Buckman’s “CHAMP” in Los Angeles; Raul de Nieves’ “When I Look In To Your Eyes I See the Sun,” in Miami, Nancy Baker Cahill’s “Liberty Bell” in multiple cities, and many more. Below, we dig a little deeper into a few recent projects: 

Joel Mesler  

From July 2nd to July 21st 2024, Los Angeles and New York based artist Joel Mesler and APF invited the public to find hope, joy, and love through his installation “Pool Party.” This immersive exhibition sat in the center of New York City, captivating audiences throughout Rockefeller Center. The “pool” was filled with sculptural pool noodles and blown up floaties, all which sat on a background of his signature water print. 

This representation of a whimsical child-like take on summer transformed the urban landscape of the city to a more laid back environment. Around the pool were flags featuring phrases Mesler is known for putting in his work such as “hugs,” “love,” and “hope.” These flags were successful as public messages of positivity and personal motivation, creating a lasting impact on those who intentionally visit or unintentional passers by. 

Frieze Los Angeles

Frieze is a global contemporary art organization known for its art fairs and magazine. Founded in 1991 with the launch of frieze magazine, the company has grown to include seven of the largest art fairs worldwide, including in Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, and Seoul. 

At this year’s Frieze Los Angeles, Art Production Fund presented an on-site public program titled “Inside Out.” The exhibition explored the theme of perspective, and how personal histories and experiences shape our understanding of Los Angeles. Free and open to the public, the program led visitors on a journey through the city’s neighborhoods and histories, featuring works by a diverse group of acclaimed intergenerational artists. Memorable pieces include: 

• Joel Gaitan’s “It’s My House And I Live Here,” a small house inspired by his Nicaraguan and Miami heritage.The house was positioned over a central pathway so that visitors could pass underneath. 

• Claire Chambless’ “Player, Non-Player,” an interactive sculpture hunt in which visitors could search for golden eggs containing miniature sculptures hidden across the fair. Chambless’s work aimed to challenge traditional modes of art acquisition, fostering communal exploration and using play to spark conversations.

• Madeline Hollander’s “Day Flight,” an actual flight in an electric powered aircraft. In collaboration with Santa Monica Flyers, Hollander choreographed daily flights from Santa Monica Airport flying north along the coast towards Point Dume, passing over the radically transformed landscapes of Pacific Palisades and Malibu, which were recently affected by the LA wildfires.

Jake Clark

A New York City and Holiday inspired installation with New York-based artist and ceramicist Jake Clark opened in November 2024, featuring fourteen ceramic sculptures inspired by New York City and the cheerful holiday spirit that takes place at Rockefeller Center every year. Symbols of the city rendered onto Clark’s vessels encouraged both local New Yorkers and tourists to embrace the season, bringing everyone together. 

The goal is for the quintessential New York City emblems, like the pretzel cart, a yellow taxi, or the Rockefeller Center signage, to transport viewers back to their childhood, just as it does for Clark. The exhibit keeps growing, with recent additions being New York City food staples, such as Magnolia Bakery and Ralph’s Coffee. Clark’s presence in Rockefeller Center also continues to grow, as beneath 45 Rockefeller Plaza, a massive mural has recently been installed, featuring imagery of many repeated sculptures, transforming his signature ceramics into vinyl installations. 

The Art Production Fund stands as a prime example of how many people are invested in art, not only for the sake of owning it, but also in sharing it with our world. As it is donor-funded, it is clear that many see the importance of public art, and what it can do for the good of our communities: a mission that Pieces With Purpose is dedicated to helping spread.