Creative Time’s September 13 shoreline event features epic builds by contemporary artists, celebrity judges like Julio Torres, and an exclusive afterparty at The Rockaway Hotel.
Photo by Derek Schultz. Courtesy of Creative Time.
Summer might be winding down, but the beach days aren’t over just yet.
For the first time since 2013, Creative Time is reviving its beloved Sandcastle Competition. On Sunday, September 13, artists and locals will head to the Beach 108th Street shoreline in the Rockaways for a day of public art and seaside architecture.
The main event runs from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and promises to bring a distinctly irreverent and communal energy to one of the city’s most iconic public spaces.
Who is building and who is judging?
Photo by Derek Schultz. Courtesy of Creative Time.
This isn’t your average plastic bucket and shovel affair. The public arts organization has tapped some serious talent to take over the sand.
Participating artists include Anthony Akinbola, Dean Millien, Rachel Rossin, and Gabriela Ruiz.
You’ll also see collaborative builds from the duos of Marianna Simnett & Eliza Douglas and Chiffon Thomas & Victoria Martinez, alongside the Canal Street Research Association.
The judging panel is packed with heavy hitters, including writer, comedian, and actor Julio Torres and Brooklyn Museum Director Anne Pasternak.
Other guest judges include The Rockaway Hotel owner Michi Jigarjian, designer Waris Ahluwalia, and artist Pedro Reyes.
Keep the party going at the Benefit Bash
Photo by Derek Schultz. Courtesy of Creative Time.
Once the winning sand structure is officially crowned, the celebration moves off the shoreline. From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., The Rockaway Hotel is hosting a ticketed Sandcastles Benefit Bash fundraiser.
The festive gathering features drinks and a set by DJ Maya Margarita.
Capacity for the afterparty is limited, and tickets are available now.
The event helps further Creative Time’s 50+ year legacy of advancing artist-led public projects.