Union Square Partnership Unveils “Turning Point” By New York Artist Yuke Li, the Fifth Annual 7,500 Sq Ft 14th Street Mural Installation
We are proud to announce this year’s Busway Mural installation along the pedestrian areas of the 14th Street Busway, between Broadway and University Place. “Turning Point” is the bold new artwork designed by New York-based visual artist Yuke Li. With the help of community partners, volunteers and sponsors, the 7,500-square-foot mural was installed Monday, May 12, 2025 through Friday, May 16, 2025. This is Union Square Partnership’s fifth annual street mural, presented in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation Art program (NYC DOT Art) and supported by Street Plans, a Brooklyn-based urban planning and design firm with national and local expertise in delivering asphalt art projects that enliven streets and public spaces.
Li’s “Turning Point” honors Union Square’s role as a place that facilitates the movement of people, whether gathering, dispersing, or embarking on new journeys. Drawing inspiration from this sense of movement and fluidity, the mural reimagines Union Square as a focal point for connection and exploration. Li’s captivating imagery blends bold, abstract composition with retro-inspired, nostalgic hues, featuring varied shapes that echo the flow of people and energy through the space. The mural’s title and colors are inspired by and symbolize the key turning points that shape people's everyday lives, whether a pivotal shift in a personal journey or a physical transfer within the 14th Street-Union Square subway station.
“Turning Point” features interwoven tubular shapes that reflect underground networks like the New York City subway, with twisting patterns that also pay homage to the Year of the Snake–an animal that symbolizes good fortune, growth and new beginnings in Chinese culture, shedding negative energy and embracing positive transformation. Additional accompanying symbols include a flower, an apple and stacks of books, referencing Union Square Park, the Union Square Greenmarket and the collection of notable bookstores in the area. The stars represent hope in everyday life, helping guide the energy and optimism that push us toward our next step. These elements are placed intentionally at key turning points, transferring viewers’ gaze from one place to the next and guiding them toward their next destination.
"Union Square has always been a powerful place for connection as well as constant movement—both above and below our streets—where people from across the boroughs converge through our subway hub, discover eclectic shopping, theater, and dining, and come together in celebration and free expression," said Julie Stein, Executive Director of Union Square Partnership. "Yuke Li encapsulates this dynamic energy in her design, 'Turning Point,' with nods to the hidden infrastructure that powers our neighborhood—the intricate network of underground systems that silently support the bustling life above. We're grateful to Yuke, our community partners, and the volunteers who brought our fifth 14th Street mural to life."
Union Square Partnership’s annual 14th Street Busway Mural aims to beautify the streetscape while envisioning the eventual expansion of pedestrian space in the neighborhood, as outlined in the USQNext Vision Plan. In fact, the mural's infrastructure-related themes tie directly to this Vision Plan. Now in its fifth year, the award-winning mural program exemplifies the momentum driving the tactical urbanism approach to public realm improvements, complementing other initiatives that work in harmony to propel the district toward a shared, long-term vision.
Each year, Union Square Partnership highlights creative voices–from emerging talent to seasoned artists–by commissioning a mural that energizes the neighborhood and underscores the organization’s ongoing commitment to fostering community, connection, and local vitality. Li was selected from over 68 original submissions for the popular street mural project.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to create artwork for such an iconic, dynamic and historically rich part of New York City,” said Yuke Li, artist of “Turning Point.” “The design is inspired by the way people move through the city and contribute to the pulse of Union Square. I’ve envisioned the shapes and colors in ‘Turning Point’ to reflect both the individuality and connection found in public spaces. Having created murals in spaces like Rye Town Park—incorporating poetry into the artwork—and led other community-driven projects, it’s especially meaningful to now contribute to a place as culturally significant as Union Square. Through the design of ‘Turning Point,’ it is my hope that everyone who visits this vibrant space leaves with a sense of joy and positivity, ready to embark on their own journeys with renewed optimism. I’m incredibly grateful to Union Square Partnership, NYC DOT Art, neighborhood partners, and the volunteers who helped make ‘Turning Point’ come alive in Union Square.”
“Union Square is a kaleidoscope of colors, people, and energy—so it’s only fitting to have Yuke Li’s vibrant asphalt art mural enlivening our streetscape,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “‘Turning Point’ marks our fifth consecutive year of collaboration with the Union Square Partnership, and we are grateful for their unwavering dedication towards making public art accessible for all.”
“On behalf of the Council and staff, I am so proud that we are supporting the critical work of so many nonprofit organizations all across the state, including work of Union Square Partnership,” said Executive Director of NYSCA Erika Mallin. “New York State’s art and culture nonprofits make us a global leader, strengthening our connections to each other and the larger world. I thank you for your dedication and service and look forward to all your work in the coming year.”
“Union Square Partnership’s commitment to beautifying public spaces with local art reflects the very best of New York,” said Jen Hensley, Chair of the Union Square Partnership, and Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Con Edison. “Con Edison has called Union Square home to our corporate headquarters for more than a century, and we're proud to be a part of a community that leads with creativity, energy, and purpose."
"New York City is home to artists from all over the world and the TD Charitable Foundation is proud to support Union Square Partnership in enriching our cultural landscape by helping to create more vibrant public spaces that bring people together," said Paige Carlson-Heim, Head of U.S. Social Impact at TD Bank. "Art has the power to spark dialogue, build bridges, and energize communities. The TD Charitable Foundation is honored to support Union Square Partnership's 14th Street mural installation and to champion the next generation of artists."
"Union Square continues to be a cornerstone of our district’s identity, and we’re proud to play a role in its ongoing evolution,” said Nicholas Haines, CEO of The Bromley Companies. “As we return for a third year to support the 14th Street Busway Mural project, we’re thrilled to see this initiative grow into a lasting tradition. Yuke Li’s work captures the vibrancy and momentum that define this neighborhood. For our employees, tenants, and the broader community, contributing to a shared work of art is not just meaningful—it’s a celebration of the creativity and connection that make Union Square so special."
"Union Square has always been a place where movement sparks creativity and connection. Yuke Li’s Turning Point captures this energy with vibrant optimism, celebrating the spirit of new beginnings that defines both our neighborhood and W New York – Union Square,” said Christina Poon, General Manager of the W- New York, “We are proud to support a project that reflects the pulse of a city and a community that’s always in motion."
NYC DOT implemented the 14th Street Busway project in October 2019 as a new transit and truck upgrade for 14th Street. The center of the busway crosses the heart of Union Square, where sidewalk extensions were installed to make additional walking space. These new pedestrian areas are situated in a highly visible confluence of foot traffic and transit access.
Previous murals at this site have included Vanesa Álvarez’s “Unity on Union Square,” Ji Yong Kim’s “Ripples of Peace + Calm” and GERALUZ + WERC’s “Collective Vision.” Last year’s 14th Street mural, “Flowing Together” was designed by Queens-based artist Talisa Almonte and featured organic shapes of diverse colors, representing the constant flow of people passing through Union Square as well as the unification of people for a specific cause; much like the message behind Almonte's mural, Li’s “Turning Point” celebrates Union Square as a gathering space for community, compassion and creative expression.
“Turning Point” is now on view for millions of New Yorkers and visitors, including the 375,000 visitors who pass through Union Square daily. “Turning Point” is also part of the NYCxDESIGN Festival, an annual citywide celebration featuring hundreds of design events, from exhibits and trade shows to talks and tours, drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees from near and far.
The five-day mural installation involved approximately 100 volunteers applying 80 gallons of paint infusing colors from the Sherwin-Williams collection, including Coming up Roses, Real Red, Gusto Gold, Frank Blue, Dynamic Blue, and Fabulous Grape.
Union Square Partnership is proud to partner with NYC DOT Art, as well as featured artist Yuke Li. This year’s 14th Street Busway Mural was made possible thanks to program support provided by TD Charitable Foundation’s Connected Communities grant, which focuses on elevating emerging artists, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support comes from lead mural sponsor Con Edison and mural sponsors The Bromley Companies, Target, and W New York - Union Square.
The finished street mural “Turning Point” will be on view in Union Square on 14th Street until spring 2026.