In July 2019 Doug Aitken presented NEW HORIZON, a multifaceted art event that challenges the notion of art in the 21st-century. The project is composed of a series of live events across the state of Massachusetts, centered around a stunning reflective hot air balloon and gondola.

One of the great American mythologies is the road trip. NEW HORIZON is a 21st century version of a journey, traveling through the landscape by air. The project is composed of a series of live events across the state of Massachusetts. At each stop the balloon touches down becomes a happening. It is both an artwork and an event where ideas, conversation, music and art are shared. The journey creates a continuous, flowing event, encountering unique individuals and providing an insight into the future of our culture.

Happenings took place at a selection of iconic Trustees properties, starting at Long Point Wildlife Refuge in Martha’s Vineyard on July 12, followed by stops in the greater Boston area, including the Crane Estate in Ipswich and ending on July 28, in the Berkshires.