Public by Design Curatorial Statement

The theme of the fourth cycle of Exhibit Columbus, Public by Design, builds on the legacy of Columbus, Indiana to explore how collaborations between communities and designers can revitalize and reimagine historic downtowns as equitable, beautiful, and joyful places. Public by Design serves as a platform for many vibrant communities to become connected around the values of inclusivity, care, and generosity. This cycle celebrates creative methods of collaboration that communities and designers can use to grow a sense of belonging and connection in public spaces.

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These ideas extend through every aspect of this cycle of Exhibit Columbus, from shaping the curatorial team and process, to selecting participants, and creating the format and goals of every event. Starting with the 2022 Symposium, the voices, memories, and dreams of the many communities of Columbus will be amplified and celebrated in the design process. We believe this collaborative effort and the process of co-creation will resonate far beyond the city limits of Columbus.

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The 2023 Exhibition will feature temporary installations throughout downtown, whose impacts will be lasting and profound. They will grow from the ideas explored in the Symposium, collaborations with community partners, and the creative imagination of the participants. The installations can serve as prototypes for permanent change in the urban core of this city and examples for other communities to consider.

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Public by Design represents an opportunity for each of us to play new and transformative roles in shaping a public life that is more connected to public places and public institutions.