COLUMBUS, IN.- This Saturday, August 26th, the 2023 Exhibit Columbus Exhibition, Public by Design, opens to the public.

The fourth Exhibit Columbus exhibition, Public by Design, opens with 13 new works of art and architecture designed to invigorate, entertain, and challenge, while expanding the legacy of one of America’s most celebrated cities.

The Exhibit Columbus community has been working together for over a year to create what will be a ground-breaking exhibition that showcases how art and architecture can help build a sense of belonging while revitalizing and reimagining historic downtowns as equitable, beautiful, and joyful places.

This is the only exhibition of its kind that engages in an international dialogue connected to the biennial exhibition structure while exploring the challenges that cities around the globe are facing today. The process of creating this cycle de-centers the idea that art and architecture are created by singular entities or curators; this exhibition highlights the fact that the best work is built with a broad belief in the collective power of community work and engagement.

“This exhibition is about revitalization and imagination with a commitment to equity, beauty, and joy while creating new forms of public space,” said the six Curatorial Partners.

This community-focused event opens as downtowns are rebounding from a post-pandemic reality to attract and retain visitors and businesses. Opening Weekend will activate downtown Columbus with thirteen installations of architecture, art, landscapes, and graphic identity and wayfinding. This weekend is the only opportunity to see the exhibition alongside the entire Public by Design team, including six Curatorial Partners, four J. Irwin and Xenia S. Miller Prize Recipients, seven University Design Research Fellows, High School Design Team, and Communication Designer, as well as residents of Columbus and visitors from around the world.

The public opening day is Saturday, August 26, and begins with an Exhibition Tour, followed by Curatorial Conversations, and concludes with Rock the Block, a block party and dance show at the center of downtown at the intersection of 4th Street and Washington Street. All day, there will be activities at installations to gather for a moment of connection, relaxation, or entertainment—like a saxophone set at Side Effects, game day at Ground Rules, and more. Thanks to state-wide and national support, there is no entrance fee for the exhibition or any of the opening day activities.

“This exhibition shows how working together in the public realm with art and architecture allows us to achieve a purpose much greater than we can alone,” said Richard McCoy the Executive Director of Landmark Columbus Foundation, the nonprofit organization that created Exhibit Columbus. “Our Curatorial Team has taken a unique approach to get here, one that combines deep connections within our community with international expertise to shepherd this exhibition into existence.”