Maya Edelman’s digital animation “Dream City” celebrates the resilience and around-the-clock possibility of New York City following the return of 24-hour subway service. Featuring jubilant characters depicted as straphangers riding through a fantastical city of the future, “Dream City” reminds us of the joy we can find along our commuting journeys. Edelman, who grew up in New York, found inspiration in recalling her childhood travels on subways throughout the city. “Dream City” features hand-rendered illustrations that were then animated to mirror the subtle shifts of light and color we find throughout the day and night from the windows of a subway car.  

“Dream City” is presented by MTA Arts & Design with technical support from Westfield Properties and ANC Sports. 

Maya Edelman is an animator and illustrator who was born in Kiyv and moved to New York in 1993, where she currently lives and works. Edelman studied animation and film at Pratt institute, and has collaborated on various award-winning TV and film projects. Edelman has also created animated films for editorial publication in Yhe New York Times, The Atlantic and Time.