“Echoes – A Voice from Uncharted Waters” by Mathias Gmachl

During one of our lunch breaks this week we came across a whale!  Internationally recognized for his work involving the “design and fabrication of ephemeral textile architecture and living environments,” Mathias Gmachl has taken over the Garment District with his fifty-five-foot art installation. “Echoes – A Voice from Uncharted Waters” features a brilliant steel whale whose cries wash ashore as we celebrate NYC Climate Week. The exhibit urges us to ponder nature's harmony and the future of our planet. It juxtaposes underwater tranquility with the jarring noise of human impact, presenting a powerful metaphor for the delicate balance we face. “Echoes” is an exhibit that embodies our role in a sustainable future, illustrating how art can inspire individuals and remind us of the responsibility we have towards our planet.

Graced by Mother Nature

This past Monday marked the twenty-second anniversary of 9/11. Not to be outshined by the annual Tribute in Light, the commemorative public art installation honoring the lives lost on 9/11 and the “unbreakable spirit of New York”, Mother Nature embraced the City with a beautiful rainbow we were delighted to witness.

Tennis Celebrates Equality

The end of summer in New York is marked by one spectacular event. No, it’s not back-to-school shopping, but the US Open! We enjoyed a few nights at the Open enjoying matches featuring the women’s and men’s number 1’s as well as a late night finish to one of the tournament’s longest matches.

This year’s US Open also marked the Fiftieth Anniversary of its revolutionary decision to provide equal prize money to men and women.  In 1973, the US Open became the first Grand Slam tennis tournament to offer equal pay, a feat that is credited to the great Billie Jean King. Ms. King’s efforts on behalf of women tennis players resulted in the New York Times declaring in its July 20, 1973 headline “Tennis Decides All Women Are Created Equal, Too”. If only the rest of the world could operate under this fact!

US Implements Limits to Hungarian Nationals’ ESTA Authorizations

On August 1, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) announced the validity period for travel to the US offered to citizens or nationals of Hungary under the Visa Waiver Program (“VWP”) utilizing the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (“ESTA”) has been reduced from two years to one year. Additionally, only single visits will be allowed under each ESTA application, as opposed to multiple entries.  According to the US Embassy in Budapest, the reduction of ESTA validity is due to the “Hungarian Government’s inaction” to meet VWP security requirements in line with its “simplified naturalization process” granting Hungarian citizenship “to nearly one million people between 2011 and 2020 without adequate security measures in place to verify their identities.” The reduction in ESTA validity will affect new ESTA applications received after the implementation of the regulation on August 1, 2023 and is not retroactive. All ESTA approvals granted before August 1, 2023 remain valid for two years and more than one entry. 

"Summer for the City" at Lincoln Center

Photos by Lauren Smith

As the temperatures rise and we all daydream of escaping our routine for the great outdoors, Lincoln Center is once again inviting us to the second annual “Summer for the City”, where vanguard artist Clint Ramos, has ensured every inch of the campus has been transformed and delights the senses. Mr. Ramos, a TONY Award Winning artist who was born and raised in the Philippines, is a creative force who has graced over two hundred theater, opera, and dance productions with his vision. With Mr. Ramos’ eye catching designs as the backdrop, ongoing concerts and dances complete with a mega disco ball, Lincoln Center welcomes us all to “come together, see yourselves, and find your home away from home.” 

As summer gets under way, we will be taking a holiday from our regular postings for summer until Labor Day, but please check in with us for any significant immigration developments. Wishing you a splendid summer!