State of the Arts, a long-standing arts program in the United States, has been awarded its 35th Emmy for a segment titled "Layqa." This segment follows Layqa Nuna Yawar, an Indigenous Ecuadorian artist based in Newark, as he creates a large mural at Newark Liberty International Airport's new Terminal A. The segment was produced by Sam Vladimirsky, who received a New York Emmy Award in the "Arts/Entertainment - Short Form Content" category during a ceremony held on October 26, 2024, at the New York Marriott Marquis.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey collaborated with Public Art Fund to celebrate the opening of Terminal A through one of the largest public arts projects since the New Deal era. Yawar's mural aims to serve as an inclusive tribute to all individuals.
Producer Sam Vladimirsky expressed his gratitude by stating: “I feel extraordinarily lucky to tell true stories for a living, and even luckier when those stories concern working artists and immigrant communities. With ‘Layqa’, I got to do both, and my heart is full. This Emmy is for them.”
The New Jersey State Council on the Arts co-produces State of the Arts alongside Stockton University and PCK Media. For over four decades, State of the Arts has documented New Jersey's cultural life.
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way commented: “That State of the Arts has been recognized in this way, with such a competitive award, speaks volumes about the manifold stories New Jersey has to tell the world.” She acknowledged support from the State Arts Council in uplifting diverse artistic narratives.
Allison Tratner, Executive Director of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, remarked: “We are passionate about sharing the work of New Jersey artists and arts organizations with the world in every way we can.” She praised 'Layqa' as an example of thought-provoking art that inspires viewers.
Susan Wallner, Series Producer for many years, highlighted past achievements: "State of the Arts has won many awards over the years...This latest one for 'Layqa,' produced by...Sam Vladimirsky, is an intimate glimpse of a New Jersey artist at work."
Ian Marshall from Stockton University noted: “The State of the Arts team understands...the dynamic art scene in New Jersey so well. The insightful...way they see and hear...is demonstrated in 'Layqa' - a beautiful piece that is itself uniquely American."
Vladimirsky reflected on his personal connection: “I've often wondered what it was like for my immigrant parents to arrive in...the United States...Newark Liberty International Airport has been...inspiring to me that [it] commissioned permanent artworks that reflect...[from] immigrant perspective.”
The award-winning segment "Layqa" is available for viewing online.
