Google DeepMind and OUTFRONT Launch AI Art in NYC
Google DeepMind and OUTFRONT launch AI-powered public art in NYC, transforming urban dreams into visual artworks using generative AI.
Google DeepMind and OUTFRONT Launch “Imagine If…”: AI-Powered Public Art Transforms NYC
New York City has become a living canvas for collective imagination, as Google DeepMind and OUTFRONT Media launch “Imagine If…,” a groundbreaking public art initiative that harnesses generative AI to bring New Yorkers’ wildest urban dreams to life. The project, which began on November 14, 2025, invites residents across all five boroughs to submit their creative visions for the city via QR codes on digital screens in subway stations. These ideas are then transformed into stunning video artworks by local artists using Google’s latest generative AI models, Veo and Nano Banana.
How “Imagine If…” Works
The “Imagine If…” campaign is designed to be highly interactive and accessible. Commuters passing through MTA subway stations can scan QR codes displayed on OUTFRONT’s digital screens to submit written prompts describing their ideal New York City. These might include ideas like vertical farms on skyscrapers, neon-shimmering brownstones, or fantastical parks in unexpected places. Within moments, participants receive an AI-generated visualization of their concept, powered by Veo and Nano Banana.
Selected submissions are then curated by five local artists—one from each borough—who reinterpret the community’s ideas into larger video artworks. These pieces are displayed across thousands of digital screens throughout the subway system, turning the city’s transit network into a moving gallery of collective imagination.
The Role of AI and Local Artists
At the heart of “Imagine If…” is the collaboration between human creativity and AI technology. Google DeepMind’s Veo model, known for its advanced video generation capabilities, enables artists to scale their visions and experiment with new forms of storytelling. Nano Banana, another generative AI model, supports the creation of dynamic, visually rich content that responds to the nuances of each submission.
The five featured artists—Lauren Camara, Ariana Cimino, Molly Goldfarb, Subway Doodle, and Jeff Wave—serve as “visual architects,” bridging the gap between public input and artistic expression. Their work not only highlights the potential of AI as a creative tool but also emphasizes the importance of human curation in shaping the final artworks.
City-Wide Impact and Grand Finale
The “Imagine If…” campaign runs for four weeks, culminating in a grand finale on December 14, 2025, in Times Square. The most compelling pieces from each borough will be showcased on OUTFRONT’s iconic digital screens at Two Times Square, transforming one of the world’s busiest intersections into a vibrant celebration of community-driven art.
This initiative is more than just an art installation; it’s a real-world demonstration of how generative AI can foster collective creativity and engage the public in new ways. By integrating AI into public spaces and cultural initiatives, Google DeepMind and OUTFRONT are setting a precedent for the future of urban art and collaborative design.
Industry and Cultural Implications
The “Imagine If…” project signals a growing trend where AI platforms are increasingly integrated into public life, blurring the lines between technology, art, and urban experience. For users, it offers a direct, interactive experience with generative AI, making complex technology accessible and engaging. For the industry, it highlights the potential of AI to augment human creativity and inspire new forms of public engagement.
Visuals and Key Technologies
- Veo Model: Google DeepMind’s state-of-the-art video generation model, designed to empower filmmakers and storytellers.
- Nano Banana Model: A generative AI model that supports dynamic, visually rich content creation.
- OUTFRONT Digital Screens: Thousands of digital canvases across NYC subway stations, transforming the city into a moving gallery.
- Times Square Finale: The grand showcase of the most compelling artworks on OUTFRONT’s iconic screens.
Quotes and Insights
- Chad Shackelford, OUTFRONT: “This effort highlights creativity in public spaces and the power of technology to bring communities together.”
- Matthieu Lorrain, Google DeepMind: “AI’s role in collaborative art is about augmenting human creativity, not replacing it.”
- Subway Doodle, Artist: “The campaign encouraged me to explore how generative AI can complement traditional creativity.”
Conclusion
“Imagine If…” is a pioneering project that demonstrates the transformative potential of generative AI in public art and urban culture. By inviting New Yorkers to co-create a city-wide visual experience, Google DeepMind and OUTFRONT are not only showcasing the latest in AI technology but also fostering a sense of community and shared imagination. As the campaign unfolds, it offers a glimpse into a future where advanced AI models are integral to public art and collaborative design, setting a new standard for how technology can inspire and engage cities around the world.
