Exhibit Columbus’ new cycle begins

Mike Wolanin | The Republic Richard McCoy, executive director of Landmark Columbus Foundation which directs Exhibit Columbus, speaks at a past event.

The 2022–23 cycle of Exhibit Columbus launches on June 14–15 at Helen Haddad Hall, 315 Franklin St., with a public event focusing on boosting downtown.

The gathering from 9 a.m. to noon June 14 “will explore ideas to empower communities to make strategic investments in architecture, art, and design that will increase economic, social, and cultural resilience,” according to organizers.

James Lima Planning + Development will present a recent study that explores ways to better activate downtown that leverages Columbus’ many existing assets, from arts and culture to the riverfront, provides diversified attractions on and around Fourth Street, encourages people to explore more places, and produces a more vibrant environment and resilient economy.

Municipal leaders from around the state will discuss how this study connects to their downtowns in a conversation moderated by Scarlett Andrews, Director of Department of Metropolitan Development for the City of Indianapolis. Participants are Franklin Mayor Steve Barnett, Bloomington Deputy Mayor Don Griffin and Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop.

With a team of influential curators, designers, architects, economists, preservationists, and municipal leaders, Exhibit Columbus “seeks to reframe the international biennial concept to create greater local meaning and lasting resonance,” its leaders said.

Launched in 2016 as a program of the nonprofit organization Landmark Columbus Foundation, Exhibit Columbus is a internationally-recognized exploration of community, architecture, art, and design that celebrates the modern legacy of Columbus.

It does that through a two-year cycle of events that will take place through a symposium in October, exhibition installation design presentations in February, and culminating in the installation exhibition running from August through November 2023.

As part of this kickoff event, Exhibit Columbus announces two municipal partnerships: One with the City of Columbus through a $75,000 National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant; and the other with the City of Bloomington’s Department of Economic and Sustainable Development.

The partnerships will allow the program to create learning opportunities with other municipalities.

Additionally, Exhibit Columbus has announced its six curatorial partners who will lead and shape this cycle. Exhibit Columbus leaders will highlight those individuals at an event from 9 a.m. to noon June 15 at Helen Haddad Hall.

These, and other shifts, demonstrate the organization’s effort to make the program even more impactful locally, regionally, and nationally.

“We are thrilled to kick off this cycle with so many dynamic and visionary leaders,” said Richard McCoy, executive director of Landmark Columbus Foundation. “We have spent the past six months re-imaging how Exhibit Columbus connects with our community and how that can be relevant around the state and country. The whole organization is excited to push this cycle beyond the traditional art and architecture biennial construct.”