Giant Soccer Ball Artwork In Essex County Was Inspired By World Cup

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The World Cup may be over, but the soccer-themed celebration continues in West Orange.

The township was recently named a Legacy Partner of The Art of the Game: a program that nonprofit Arts 14C created with the New York-New Jersey Host Committee for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

One of the perks? A huge soccer ball art installation.

According to a news release from the township:

“The Art of the Game brought together 23 internationally acclaimed artists to transform the soccer ball into monumental public sculpture across New York and New Jersey during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Through its Legacy Program, Arts 14C has donated the majority of these sculptures to municipalities, parks, museums, universities, and cultural institutions committed to their long-term public display and stewardship.”

West Orange is now home to one of the unique monuments.

“YOU MOVE EARTH,” by internationally known artist Cemile Sahin was installed at the corner of Main Street and Park Avenue, near the recently renovated Lafayette Playground.

The township’s Engineering, Recreation and Public Works Departments have overseen site preparation and will manage long-term care of the artwork.

Megan Brill, executive director of the Downtown West Orange Alliance, said the installation is part of an ongoing effort to make public spaces more “engaging” in the township.

Mayor Susan McCartney said the sport of soccer has long been a part of the town’s culture:

“Many kids grow their love of the game, playing as early as age 3, with the Mountain Top League, the largest all-volunteer youth soccer organization in the area, running since 1959 and today serving more than 2,500 children a year. West Orange High School’s boys’ soccer team just brought home the 2025 NJSIAA Group 4 State Championship, and senior standout Marcus Jackson capped the season by being named the Gatorade National Player of the Year. And this summer saw the World Cup spirit in full effect with the NY NJ Host Committee Skyline to Shoreline Bus making a stop on its Road Tour at the annual West Orange Street Fair and numerous watch parties with the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and at local businesses. The celebrations were capped by the Art of the Game: Soccer Ball Art exhibit presented by the West Orange Arts Council and the Wilshire Grand Hotel’s soccer ball art auction.”

“This sculpture is going to become one of those spots everybody knows – where you meet a friend, snap a photo, celebrate a win,” McCartney said.

“It’s art, it’s sport, and it’s ours,” she added.

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