Atlantic City Turns to Public Arts Initiative to Attract Visitors and Residents

By Eric Schultz

Producer, State of the Arts

The first two sites of Atlantic City’s public arts initiative were unveiled last week just 10 days after Hurricane Sandy slammed into the Jersey Shore. While much of the city was flooded, both installations came through the storm unscathed. Organizers decided to go ahead with the unveiling as a way bringing the community together and honoring the first responders to the hurricane. One site features an illusionistic, geometric work by California artist John Roloff. It doubles as a performance space.

The other installation is on a seven-acre lot, vacant since the Sands Hotel was demolished in 2007. Project Coordinator Lance Fung said he drew inspiration from the iconic Steel Pier.