2022 Exhibit Columbus Symposium: Public by Design

Join us in downtown Columbus for the 2022 Exhibit Columbus Symposium: Public by Design. In a format designed to inspire engagement from Columbus, around the state, and far beyond, the two-day event will feature sessions with the J. Irwin and Xenia S. Miller Prize Recipients, University Design Research Fellows, High School Design Team, Communication Designer, Curatorial Team, and three inspiring keynote events.

Day One features two types of sessions that will run at the same time:

• EXPLORE sessions allow you to go out in the field with each Miller Prize Recipient and CONNECT sessions allow you to engage with them at The Commons

Day One

• Friday, October 21 at The Commons and around downtown from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm

and Day Two

• Saturday, October 22 at Columbus City Hall from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

All events are free and open to the public with a suggested donation. 

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, healthy, and joyful places. Public by Design serves as a platform for many communities to become energized about 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.

Moreover, 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. Therefore, we believe this collaborative effort and the process of co-creation will resonate far beyond the city limits of Columbus.

Additionally, 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. Moreover, the installations can serve as prototypes for permanent change in the urban core of this city and examples for other communities to consider.

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.

Lastly, learn more about this year’s programming, curatorial team, and cultural advisors here.