Pierce Mattie Public Relations New York

It’s a momentous occasion for the City of New York, as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Central Park. Originally the vision of Evening Post editor William Cullen Bryant, he called for the creation of a large public park back in 1844 that would act as a destination from the hustle and bustle of the inner city. Little did he know that his vision would one day become a billboard for commercial conglomerates such as Chanel.

With a $27 million annual operating budget, it’s no wonder The Central Park Conservancy – once limited on the amount of revenue it was allowed to collect from commercial vendors – would look for outside income sources. When they reached a new contract with the city on April 2006, for the first time ever there was no limit on the revenue the non-profit could take in.

This fall, the conservatory will open up 1.5 acres for a “Mobile Art” traveling advertisement for one of Chanel’s handbags. Reportedly, the project will cost Chanel somewhere in the neighborhood of $1 million for a three week run. And though this first project is linked to art, many fear that it will open the door to other corporations taking over the sanctity of New York’s most famous park. I guess only time will tell.