Exhibit Columbus 2024-25: ‘Yes And’ Explores Legacy, Collaboration, and Design

Exhibit Columbus has unveiled the curatorial theme for its 2024–25 cycle, titled “Yes And.” This theme will guide the upcoming series of events, including the 2024 symposium, scheduled for October 24–25, 2024, design presentations on February 21–22, 2025, and the exhibition running from August 15 to November 30, 2025. All events will be free and open to the public, taking place in the heart of downtown Columbus.

“Yes And” marks the fifth cycle of Exhibit Columbus, a program initiated in 2016 by the Landmark Columbus Foundation. This biennial event has gained international recognition for its exploration of community, architecture, art, and design, celebrating and advancing the modern architectural legacy of Columbus. The “Yes And” theme invites the public to contribute to this legacy by adding to the rich and layered history of the city’s buildings and public spaces.

Rooted in the principles of improvisational theater, “Yes And” is a concept that encourages building upon existing ideas to create a shared narrative. This approach is particularly fitting for Columbus, a city known for its architectural heritage and community engagement. The theme serves as a participatory call to action, inviting residents and visitors alike to collaborate in the ongoing evolution of the city’s public spaces. Whether through recovering architectural remnants, reflecting on cultural legacies, staging performances, or reimagining public areas, “Yes And” challenges everyone to envision new forms of togetherness and collaboration.

The 2024–25 cycle of Exhibit Columbus will kick off with a Community Engagement event in June 2024, where participants will be encouraged to map their “favorite places” in Columbus through various interactive activities. These personal reflections will be integrated into the design process, ensuring that the community’s voice plays a central role in shaping the future of the city’s public spaces. This inclusive approach underscores the theme’s emphasis on collaboration and the importance of making the most of what already exists to create positive outcomes for all.

The 2025 Exhibition will feature temporary installations throughout downtown Columbus, created by a diverse group of participants. These include recipients of the prestigious J. Irwin and Xenia S. Miller Prize, University Design Research Fellows, a High School Design Team, and a Communication Designer. The installations will be inspired by the ideas explored during the 2024 symposium, site-specific studies, collaborations with community partners, and each participant’s interpretation of the “Yes And” theme. These inventive and thoughtful installations aim to transform Columbus’s downtown core, embracing positivity, reciprocity, and community engagement.

The success of the 2024–25 Exhibit Columbus cycle will be driven by the Curatorial Partners, a team of experts with extensive backgrounds in architecture, history, design, writing, and performing arts. These curators have been carefully selected for their experience working with diverse communities and their ability to bring a thoughtful and artistic approach to collaborative projects. Together, they will ensure that the “Yes And” theme is not only reflected in the events and installations but also resonates with the broader Columbus community.

Exhibit Columbus also invites organizations and businesses in downtown Columbus to participate as Community Partners by hosting installations created by the University Design Research Fellows (UDRF) and High School Design Team (HSDT). As Community Partners, these organizations will work closely with the Exhibit Columbus Curatorial Team, Landmark Columbus Foundation Staff, and the UDRF/HSDT participants to bring these installations to life. This collaboration offers a unique opportunity for local businesses and organizations to play an active role in the city’s ongoing artistic and cultural development.

As Exhibit Columbus continues to evolve, the 2024–25 cycle promises to be a transformative experience for both participants and the broader community. The “Yes And” theme encourages everyone to reflect on the legacy of Columbus while actively contributing to its future. Through collaborative efforts, this cycle aims to demonstrate how cities can harness the power of art, design, and community to create positive change.