Interest in Exhibit Columbus, the year-old event that features art, architecture and design, is spreading like wildfire — pushing its popularity well beyond the local community.
That’s a great sign.
Last fall, a symposium featuring workshops drew nearly 1,000 people to Columbus, ranked as the sixth most significant architecturally in the nation by the American Institute of Architects.
This fall, 18 temporary installations, including the five Miller Prize winners, will be on display in Columbus from Aug. 26 through Nov. 26. That’s the second important piece of Exhibit Columbus, founded by Richard McCoy, director of Landmark Columbus. Organizers expect Exhibit Columbus to attract 10,000 people during the three months.
Growing interest can be gauged in other ways, too.
A June 5 preview of the 18 Exhibit Columbus installations drew a capacity crowd of 200 people — including city leaders, arts leaders, tourism staffers, business owners and architectural tour guides — to the Upland Columbus Pump House. With all available seats filled ahead of time, the preview was streamed live on the Exhibit Columbus Facebook page to others who were interested.
Additional exposure for the event will come from national and international publications who have committed to covering it.
The exhibition also will have an international flavor. Some of the designers have designed structures around the world, while others are located around the world.
The early interest level bodes well for the three-month Exhibit Columbus event, and for tourism in Columbus.
As word of the event spreads and interest continues to grow in years to come, that should translate into more designers vying to compete for the Miller Prize, more people attending Exhibit Columbus and more tourists visiting Columbus and viewing its architectural treasures.
That’s ample reason to be excited.
