Photo provided | Hadley Fruits
Columbus’ gravitational pull in the architectural world continues to get stronger. A new festival scheduled this summer will feature a weekend of professional talks and workshops with architects, designers, photographers, writers, students and more celebrating what organizers call “America’s Hidden Modernist City.”
The recently announced Perspective International Architecture and Design Festival will take place June 21-22 in various locations around the city, including at some of its celebrated architectural landmarks. Venues for festival events will include the Bartholomew County Public Library, First Christian Church, Columbus Visitors Center, the former Republic Building and others.
Local officials were contacted by organizers and, impressed by their caliber, lent their enthusiastic support and sponsorship to an event that will further illuminate the unique and world-class collection of Columbus’ Modernist architecture and landscapes.
“I think conference participants will enjoy exploring Columbus’ architecture, and I’m especially excited to see our buildings through the eyes of all of the talented photographers who will be in town,” Columbus Visitors Center Director of Marketing Erin Hawkins said. “This is a great opportunity to introduce Columbus to some design-minded individuals who perhaps have never visited before.”
One of the organizers who does know a thing or two about Columbus is Mike Kelley, a noted architectural photographer and founder of event organizer Architectural Photography Almanac.
“Perspective is a festival celebrating architecture, design, bookmaking, and photography,” Kelley said. “Professionals from across these fields who practice around the world will share their knowledge in a series of panels, lectures, and workshops in the unforgettable town of Columbus, Indiana.
“J. Irwin Miller’s work to make Columbus a world-famous architecture destination is proof that a single profound idea or unique perspective can have a lasting, transformative impact,” Kelley said. “By bringing together over 10 thought leaders from the architecture and design world, we hope to leave our attendees inspired and motivated after seeing their profession or passion from a new perspective.”
Columbus’ architecture, which has the distinction of standing in a city that is not subsumed by urbanity, has an allure that draws design mavens from around the world who take from our place inspiration, ideas and visions.
The Perspectives Festival adds to our city’s events such as Exhibit Columbus that build on our architectural heritage and offer opportunities for learning and appreciation of the landmarks that make our community special. We’re excited to see that this festival’s organizers have cultivated an impressive list of presenters and programs that will cater to professionals who will use Columbus as inspiration for further creation. Check out event details at perspectivecolumbus.com.
Many of us who live and work in Columbus may take our city’s architectural essence for granted. Its significance can sometimes get lost in our daily lives. The Perspectives Festival is another reminder that, for a city of our size, Columbus is in a class by itself.
