MoMA PS1 is set to celebrate a significant milestone—its 50th anniversary—in 2026 with a unique presentation of its acclaimed “Greater New York” exhibition. This edition marks a pivotal moment as it will be curated by the museum's entire curatorial team, highlighting the diverse and dynamic artistic landscape of New York City. The exhibition promises to be a comprehensive showcase of local talent, featuring a mix of newly commissioned pieces, live performances, and recent artistic endeavors that explore the profound impact of urban life on creative expression.
Art Flourishes Amidst Urban Challenges: MoMA PS1's 50-Year Dedication to New York's Creative Spirit
The Vision Behind “Greater New York” 2026: A Curatorial Collaboration
The upcoming 2026 iteration of “Greater New York” is distinguished by an unprecedented collaborative effort from MoMA PS1's curatorial department. Spearheaded by Director Connie Butler and Chief Curator Ruba Katrib, the team includes associate curators Jody Graf and Elena Ketelsen González, assistant curator Kari Rittenbach, curatorial assistant Sheldon Gooch, and curatorial coordinator Andrea Sánchez. This collective approach aims to capture the multifaceted creative dialogues happening within the city. The exhibition will feature approximately 50 emerging and mid-career artists, exploring how the unique rhythm and daily experiences of New York City influence their artistic practices. This quinquennial survey, a cornerstone of MoMA PS1’s programming since its inception in 2000, reinforces the institution's commitment to nurturing the city's artistic community and responding to contemporary societal concerns.
Director's Perspective: Art as a Reflection of Urban Life and Resilience
Connie Butler, the director of MoMA PS1, emphasized the exhibition's role in reflecting the city's artistic vitality. She noted that “Greater New York” serves as a crucial platform for artists to engage with urgent issues, articulating them through their creative voices. Chief Curator Ruba Katrib further elaborated on the challenges faced by artists in a city grappling with escalating costs of living. She highlighted the striking resilience of artists who, despite the financial pressures, continue to produce meaningful work in a city renowned for its creative communities. Katrib's observations resonate with recent public discourse in New York, particularly amplified during the mayoral election, which saw discussions around affordability take center stage.
Leadership and Curatorial Expertise: A Legacy of Impact
Connie Butler joined MoMA PS1 in 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her tenure as chief curator at the Hammer Museum, where she notably organized significant exhibitions such as “Made in L.A.” (2014) and a retrospective of Mark Bradford (2015). Her previous work at the Museum of Modern Art further solidifies her distinguished career in the art world. Ruba Katrib has been at the helm of MoMA PS1’s curatorial program since 2018, with her recent success including the group exhibition “The Gatherers” earlier this year. Their combined leadership promises a compelling and insightful presentation for the upcoming anniversary exhibition.
Anticipating the Exhibition: Optimism Amidst Precarity
While the complete roster of artists for the sixth “Greater New York” exhibition is yet to be revealed, the show is scheduled to run from April 16, 2026, to August 17, 2026. Katrib shared an optimistic outlook, noting the persistent spirit among the artists they've encountered. She observed their dedication to creating, building, and continuously expressing their unique worldviews. This inherent tension between precarity and potential is a recurring theme in the featured works, often communicated not through overt declarations but through an intricate focus on marginal elements, subtle nuances, and the rich, lived experiences that define New York itself. This approach suggests an exhibition that will offer a deeply layered and nuanced exploration of the city's artistic soul.
