We are thrilled to unveil “New Start, New Hope,” a captivating new art installation by local artist Xin Song, right here in the Garment District. This series of ornate, illuminated lanterns is now sparkling above our beloved Broadway plazas, bringing light and vibrancy to the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

Located between 36th and 39th Streets, this free installation is available to the public through January 2025. Xin Song’s radiant lanterns not only enhance the pedestrian experience but also invite city-goers to pause and enjoy a moment of tranquil reflection amidst the hustle and bustle. This beautiful display exemplifies the power of public art to transform and enliven our community spaces.

Drawing from her personal experience working in the Garment District during the pandemic, Song created New Start, New Hope to serve as a beacon for an optimistic future. The installation features 135 lanterns suspended above three Broadway plazas, with six unique designs. The lanterns are made of weatherproof HDPE marine grade material and light up in a variety of colors.

Xin Song is a distinguished artist who currently resides in Brooklyn and works from her studio at the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts in the Garment District. She graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing in 1994, where she studied Chinese folk arts exclusively and learned the complex techniques of Chinese traditional paper cutting. Song’s works have been exhibited across the world in venues such as the Venice Biennial, Musée du Louvre in Paris, National Art Museum of China, and the Paper Art Biennial in Bulgaria. 

Barbara A. Blair, president of the Garment District Alliance, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “We are delighted to showcase Xin Song’s radiant lanterns in our neighborhood. Xin’s captivating creations not only brighten our plazas but also demonstrate the power of public art in bringing our community spaces to life. We encourage all to visit and find a moment of calm in their day-to-day routines by visiting this installation.”

We warmly invite everyone to visit “New Start, New Hope” and experience the magic of Xin Song’s art. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the city, take a stroll through the Broadway plazas and let the beauty of these illuminated lanterns inspire and uplift your spirits.

New Start, New Hope is part of Garment District Art on the Plazas, a year-round public art program made possible through NYC Department of Transportation Art (NYC DOT Art), and funded in part by the NYC Department of Small Business Services. The Garment District Alliance and NYC DOT Art work closely to coordinate and install exhibits and individual pieces, which enhance public plazas and make them even more welcoming to New Yorkers and 
Visitors.