The Obama Foundation announced today an additional group of ten celebrated artists whose commissioned work will be featured across the Obama Presidential Center’s expansive campus, the vast majority of which is free and open to the public.
These ten artists — Nick Cave, Nekisha Durrett, Jenny Holzer, Jules Julien, Idris Khan, Aliza Nisenbaum, Jack Pierson, Alison Saar, Kiki Smith, and Marie Watt — represent a diverse and dynamic cross-section of the global contemporary art world and reflect the Center’s commitment to free, accessible public art as a vital force in civic life.
Their forthcoming installations are part of the Center’s initiative to commission over 25+ new site-specific works, ranging from monumental sculptures to intimate murals and immersive environments. The result is a bold, multidisciplinary arts program that will animate nearly every corner of the Center, inside and out.
This highly anticipated Center opening in spring 2026 will celebrate the legacy of America’s first Black American President and First Lady as a vibrant cultural hub, designed to immerse visitors in the ideals and practices of a dynamic democratic society. Spanning 19.3 acres, the campus will include a museum, public library, fruit and vegetable garden, athletic center, and expansive outdoor grounds designed to engage everyone from global visitors to community neighbors.
“Art has the power to reflect who we are and to shape who we aspire to become,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation. “President and Mrs. Obama have always believed in the ability of artists to help us see our common humanity and imagine a more just future. These extraordinary commissions will not only enrich the Obama Presidential Center, but they will also invite every visitor to feel inspired, respected, and connected. These remarkable pieces will undoubtedly leave people feeling hope in their own ability to make the change they want to see in the world.”
From its inception, the Obama Presidential Center envisioned the arts as core to its mission. This commitment builds upon the legacy that President and Mrs. Obama instilled at the White House, making it the “People’s House” by opening its doors to diverse voices, disciplines, and perspectives. The commissioned art collection at the Center will carry this ethos forward, amplifying its impact through vibrant public arts programming that brings the collection to life in dynamic and accessible ways. Through performances, workshops, and talks, this programming will engage the public, inspire creativity, and spark meaningful dialogue—ensuring that the collection remains at the heart of the visitor experience and a catalyst for community connection.
Main Image: Render Obama Center. Courtesy The Obama Foundation