From day one, the Buffalo Bills have promised that fans would have plenty to take in at their new stadium, set to open later this summer. The giant bison statues, ombre effect on the chairs, and more have been highlighted by the team, but one very cool feature has flown under the radar a bit.
The team made an initiative for the new stadium called the “Buffalo Bills Public Art Program.” If you’re more here for “the gist” than full details, in a nutshell there will be permanent art displays featured around the stadium. I know you want the full details though, so let’s dive in.
Wait, like… a museum?
Yes, kind of like a museum. Featured in 40 locations around the stadium, the art displays will be public facing so we, the fans, can enjoy them. Art will range from ceiling installations to murals, to “wall-based works of various sizes.” Are they just tossing some art in to class up the joint, or what?
No, they’re not. The program had an application and review process for new art to showcase local artists and groups. Each of the 40 locations available could be applied to individually, with a review board made up of representatives from local organizations dedicated to the arts. Artists are being asked to design installations with not only the new stadium in mind, but catered to the specific spot at the new Highmark.
From the program’s own words “The public art at Highmark Stadium will reflect the city’s diverse demographics, team and fan engagement, and welcome travelers of all backgrounds to experience artwork in an inclusive environment. Arts and sports are universal languages, allowing people to express themselves and connect across cultures, languages, and generations.”
Artists needed to show their fan card
While the search promised to be one embracing inclusivity and non-discrimination, there was one exception to that. In addition to looking for artists and teams that were age 18 and over, you had to either live in Erie county or Western New York. Outsiders were welcome to apply but had to show their fan card, so to speak. Artists not living in Western New York had to “demonstrate significant ties to Buffalo, Western New York, Orchard Park, and/or the Buffalo Bills in their Letter of Interest.”
The Bills’ press release on this promises ongoing investment in the project, with continued art-based capital projects. The “living canvas” the stadium will reportedly be thanks to this endeavor will be for fans and by artists connected to the team and region.
So now we wait…
The application and selection process was in three waves based on the type of artwork being considered. The final wave closed on April 21 with the “wall-based” artwork phase. Now the work can begin for the selected artists and team. If you’re intrigued, the list is available at the bottom of this page. The most recognizable name on the list is local legend Adam Zyglis, whose editorial cartoons for The Buffalo News and elsewhere I’m confident you’ve seen once or twice before (for the record, I hope he’s doing a mural).
The goal is to have all 40 of the contributions completed in time for the stadium opening. Per Penny Semaia, VP of Stadium Relations “Artists are a vital asset to helping create welcoming spaces, and the Buffalo Bills and Highmark Stadium look forward to showcasing the talents and diversity of our arts community.” When fans walk into the new home of the Buffalo Bills, we’ll be greeted by enormous bison statues on the way in, and a large number of smaller installations to help create a different experience from what we’re used to.
I’m already looking forward to seeing the new stadium, and little additions like this only make me more excited. For now, take another behind-the-scenes look at the bison statues via the embedded video below:
