“The Great Elephant Migration” one of the largest outdoor installations launched in NYC

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On September 6, 2024, the Meatpacking District Management Association (Meatpacking BID) in partnership with Elephant Family USA, an international non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to helping the human race share space with the world’s magnificent wildlife, unveiled 100 life-sized Indian elephant sculptures in New York City’s Meatpacking District.

From September 6 through October 20, 2024, this head-turning herd, spread across the neighborhood, aims to captivate visitors and amplify indigenous knowledge, sharing a message about human-wildlife coexistence and conservation.

One of the largest public art installations in New York City since Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s The Gates in 2005, The Great Elephant Migration marks the city’s first “migration” of this scale and purpose.

“This global fundraising adventure benefits indigenous and community-led conservation efforts. Specifically, it provides resources for conservation NGOs supporting remarkable people around the world who have found ways to live alongside lions, leopards, elephants, and some of the planet’s most challenging animals.,” a press release said.

It also expects to inspire peaceful, symbiotic human and animal coexistence.

Each elephant is one-of-a-kind in the 100-strong herd on display, created by the Coexistence Collective, a community of 200 indigenous artisans living within India’s Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, who have reclaimed an invasive plant species called Lantana camara that has entangled 300,000 square kilometers of India’s forests and diminished food sources for all herbivores. Using Lantana as material, the collective has recreated every elephant they live alongside, known well by name and personality, in intricately detailed sculptural form.

The creation of these elephants provides financial stability, status and pride to 200 members of the Soligas, Bettakurumbas, Kattunayakan and Paniyas tribes, who coexist with the real wild elephants the herd is based on, the press release said.

Since arriving in Newport, RI on July 4th, 2024, The Great Elephant Migration has raised $1 million so far in the U.S., with the goal of raising $10 million in total, making it the biggest sustainable indigenous enterprise in India.

The exhibition is co-presented by Art&Newport and curated by founder Dodie Kazanjian. For the duration of the installation, the Elephant Headquarters and shop by LOVE BRAND & Co. will be located at 423 West 14th Street.

Throughout the neighborhood there will be additional artwork accompanying the sculptures, including a multidisciplinary installation by artist Hadi Falapishi which will be located at 82 Gansevoort Street in late September and an exhibition by photographer Michael Turek which will be on display from October 18–20 at 423 W 14th Street.

With the support of High Line Stages, related programming, events, and activations in Meatpacking will continue into late October to honor and celebrate the mission of The Great Elephant Migration.

“Art allows us to engage with our shared humanity and celebrate what unites us instead of what divides us,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams, is quoted saying in the press release.

“Truly special that The Great Elephant Migration will connect the artisans of India with New York City in an innovative and beautiful way,” said India’s Consul General in New York Binaya Srikanta Pradhan. “Besides promoting conservation, this will also promote better understanding of Indian culture, diversity and society in the United States. Sincere thanks to the organizers.”

“Public art sparks the creativity and chance encounters that communities and neighborhoods are built on,” said New York City Council Member Shekar Krishnan, Chair of the Committee on Parks & Recreation. “As a passionate advocate for public open space, and as the first Indian-American elected to New York City government, I’m so excited to welcome this Indian elephant herd to the cobblestone streets and plazas of the Meatpacking District.”

As headline sponsor for New York, Indian fashion house Sabyasachi will host an elephant from the herd outside their flagship store on Christopher Street.

“Preservation is at the core of what we both do. Elephant Family with their conservation of the world’s endangered animals, and Sabyasachi in our safe-guarding of heritage craft and traditional skills, are ensuring the continuity of humanity’s shared treasures for future generations.” said Sabyasachi founder Sabyasachi Mukherjee.