Chinese artist Ai Weiwei's newest project, "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors," is set to open in October of 2017. The famous provocateur was commissioned by the Public Art Fund, in celebration of its 40th birthday, to build one of his largest public works ever. In total, the project will included ten major fence-themed installations as well as smaller works spread throughout Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. 

One of the bigger pieces for the massive citywide art exhibition was set to land under the Washington Square Park Arch; however, the Washington Square Association released a statement on Friday asking the Public Art Fund to withdraw its plans to house this particular piece under the Arch. 

The neighborhood association's objections to the installation as stated in their letter signed by President Trevor Sumner are as follows:

• The installation will make impossible the erection, under the arch, of our holiday tree that traditionally goes up the weekend after Thanksgiving, and stays until mid-January.
• The monumental Arch is a work of art in itself. It does not need to be politicized with the proposed installation.
• The project was not built with the collaboration of the neighborhood.

The Public Art Fund has responded to WSPA's letter by ensuring everyone that the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will not be interrupted by the work and reminding naysayers that the art non-profit has not only met with various community boards and neighborhood groups throughout the process, but also had a recent in person meeting with the author of the oppositional letter.

UPDATED, August 29th, 2017 with Statement by Public Art Fund President, Susan K Freedman:

Public Art Fund has prioritized communication with the community and listened to community feedback throughout the planning of artist Ai Weiwei’s citywide public art exhibition, presented by Public Art Fund with NYC’s Parks Department and other relevant city agencies. We have been meeting with community boards, and neighborhood groups throughout the spring and summer, including with Community Board 2, the Washington Square Park Conservancy, and the organization of which Mr. Sumner serves as President, The Washington Square Park Association. Recognizing the importance of community engagement, we reached out to Mr. Sumner on July 18th, had a follow up call on July 26th, and a recent in person meeting with him in Washington Square Park on Aug 14th. On behalf of the community, Trevor Sumner expressed excitement about bringing the project to Washington Square Park and we have been in close dialogue with him to ensure that the tradition of the Christmas tree lighting ceremony moves ahead without interruption. We have been on the schedule to present to the Community Board meeting next week, to hear feedback and respond to questions. The vital qualities of community and open engagement that Washington Square Park embodies are among the characteristics that make it an ideal location for this important exhibition that brings to light a powerful statement about division and separation at a global, national, local, and personal level.