NYC Summer Streets: A Celebration of Art, Community, and Innovation

Brooklyn, NY — On August 23, 2025, Brooklyn was alive with creativity and community spirit as part of the much-anticipated NYC Summer Streets event, a signature initiative of the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) aimed at reclaiming public spaces for the people. A standout feature of the day was the Utopia. Pop-Up Exhibition — an immersive art experience designed to engage people of all ages in the transformative power of creativity.

This year's event, held in collaboration with the DOT, NYC City Planning, the Museum of Urban Arts, and the NYC Office of Information Technology & Innovation, was proudly sponsored by Wasserman, a leader in creative and brand partnerships. Wasserman's support helped bring the event to life, ensuring that this art-filled experience could be accessible to all.

Located on a bustling Brooklyn street, Utopia.’s VR art shows and live group painting activities became a vibrant focal point, drawing in crowds from across the city.

Art Meets Innovation

Utopia.'s exhibition was not just an art display; it was an interactive experience that invited passersby to engage with cutting-edge virtual reality artwork, while contributing to a dynamic group painting activity. Families, friends, and art lovers of all ages took part, creating a collaborative masterpiece in real time. The fusion of technology and traditional art created a unique space for expression, fostering meaningful connections between participants and the art itself.

Photo Courtesy: Utopia. 2025 NYC Summer Streets Exhibition Participator Followed By Order: Yetong Xin (Poespin-Wherever Your Body Reach, There Is A Poetry), Ziyang Xie (Breathe), Xi Pang/ Miaolin Sheng/ Mingjie Chen (HiveMatch), Jojo Liu (Inscription Of Thejin Shrine Pair)

Participating artists, whose works were featured throughout the exhibition, included:

Yetong Xin (Poespin - Wherever Your Body Reach, There is a Poetry)

Ziyang Xie (Breathe)

Xi Pang, Miaolin Sheng, Mingjie Chen (HiveMatch)

Jojo Liu (Inscription of The Jin Shrine Pair)

Each artist brought their unique perspective, contributing to a diverse and thought-provoking body of work that blended the worlds of virtual reality, traditional painting, and collective artistic expression.

“We wanted to create an event where art is accessible and where the community could experience the process of creation,” said Utopia.'s event director. “This event truly embodied the spirit of Summer Streets—connecting people through creativity and allowing everyone, regardless of background or age, to be part of something larger than themselves.”

A Message of Community and Engagement

As the day progressed, thousands of people wandered through the space, their curiosity piqued by the vibrant artwork and the energy of the event. The collective spirit was on full display as the group painting activity grew in scope, symbolizing the shared vision of a community united through art.

Among the notable visitors was Zohran Kwame Mamdani, candidate for Mayor of New York City. Mamdani took time from his campaign schedule to engage directly with the public, participating in the group painting and connecting with attendees.

"This is the kind of event we need in our city," said Mamdani, speaking to a crowd of onlookers. "It shows the power of community when we come together to create and share art. We need more spaces like this—where the arts are accessible to everyone and where innovation meets tradition."

A Citywide Collaboration

The event was a collaboration between a diverse array of partners, each bringing their expertise to create an event that reflected New York City’s vibrant diversity. The NYC Department of Transportation’s Summer Streets initiative opened streets across the city, temporarily closing them to cars and creating space for public enjoyment. Local organizations, including the Museum of Urban Arts, played an integral role in bringing this vision to life, creating a space where art was not only displayed, but celebrated in the very streets that make New York unique.

“Today was a beautiful example of how art can serve as a bridge in our communities," said a representative from the Museum of Urban Arts. "By transforming public spaces into areas for creativity, we’re reimagining what it means to be part of a shared urban experience.”

A Day of Fun, Inspiration, and Connection

From the dazzling VR art shows to the lively group painting sessions, the event offered something for everyone. The smiles, laughter, and conversations that filled the streets reflected the true spirit of the event — a sense of connection, inclusion, and joy in the shared experience of art.

The Utopia. Pop-Up Exhibition at NYC Summer Streets is a shining example of how art can transform urban spaces, bring people together, and encourage engagement and participation from the community. With over a thousand visitors passing by throughout the day, the event proved that art can indeed be for all.

About NYC Summer Streets

NYC Summer Streets is an annual event organized by the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) to open miles of city streets to pedestrians and cyclists, creating a car-free environment for everyone to enjoy. The event promotes healthy living, community engagement, and innovation, offering opportunities for New Yorkers to experience their city in a new and exciting way.

About Utopia.

Utopia. is a forward-thinking organization that uses immersive art experiences to foster community engagement and social interaction. Through innovative pop-up exhibitions and events, Utopia. seeks to make art accessible to all, sparking creativity and dialogue among diverse groups of people.

About Wasserman

Wasserman is a global creative agency known for driving brand growth and creating impactful partnerships. With a focus on innovation, Wasserman partners with leading organizations to bring visionary projects like this one to life, championing creativity and collaboration.

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For more information on Utopia., upcoming events, and future exhibitions, please visit https://www.utopiaevent.org/.

Media Contact: Utopia team: [email protected]