Exhibit Columbus Receives CreatINg Places Grant Award to Sustain InterOculus as a Beacon in Downtown Columbus
Community-backed campaign unlocks public match and funds vital upgrades, ensuring the iconic dome keeps the city’s crossroads shining
Columbus, Indiana — Landmark Columbus Foundation (LCF) today announced that Exhibit Columbus has received a CreatINg Places Grant Award to support long-term stewardship of InterOculus, the 40-foot-tall illuminated dome designed by Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU) for the 2023 Exhibit Columbus Exhibition, Public by Design. Rising over the intersection of 4th and Washington Streets—the heart of downtown—InterOculus has transformed the city’s crossroads into a welcoming civic living room where residents and visitors gather, celebrate, and imagine new futures for Columbus.
The award caps a successful community-driven campaign that met its funding goal and unlocked a $50,000 public match from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA). Together, these resources will fund essential care to keep InterOculus safe, vibrant, and beautifully lit for years to come.
LCF created InterOculus with the support of many partners and subsequently donated the installation to the City of Columbus. Community contributions—at every level—helped meet the fundraising goal and unlock the public match supporting this award.
“Receiving this grant reflects what makes our organization unique: We don’t just create extraordinary art and design experiences, we care for them,” says Richard McCoy, executive director of Landmark Columbus Foundation. “InterOculus is a new icon in the center of our downtown that illustrates how much our community values shared public spaces that unite people. Sustaining this momentum ensures that the heart of our city remains welcoming and illuminated for everyone.”
What the Funding Supports
The CreatINg Places Grant Award and matching funds will support near-term stewardship and a community celebration:
Structural assessment & maintenance upgrades to ensure safety and performance for years ahead.
Repainting & protective coating of key components to refresh the installation and extend its life.
Support for producing the 3rd Annual Rock the Block Dance Festival, highlighting the renewed installation and energizing downtown with inclusive, nighttime programming.
Why it Matters
For nearly two years, InterOculus has illuminated downtown nights, serving as a safe, well‑lit public space and an iconic point of connection linking many communities’ aspirations to the city’s center. This award ensures that the installation’s light and role as an everyday gathering place continue to shine. Dozens of events have been held under this art and design icon, bringing thousands of residents and visitors together to dance, celebrate, and enjoy local food and beverages.
About InterOculus
InterOculus was created during the 2022–23 Cycle of Exhibit Columbus, which was themed Public by Design. The piece debuted during the 2023 Exhibition Opening Weekend to immediate acclaim. Designed by PAU and installed at the historic crossroads of 4th and Washington Streets. Conceived as an urban room, the 40-foot-tall dome frames views, hosts community life, and underscores Columbus’ legacy of design excellence.
Media
High‑resolution photography of InterOculus is available for press use at this link. When using these images, please credit Hadley Fruits for Landmark Columbus Foundation.
Media Contact
Jamie Goldsborough
jamie@landmarkcolumbus.org
About Landmark Columbus Foundation
Landmark Columbus Foundation (LCF) cares for, celebrates, and advances the cultural heritage of Columbus, Indiana. To fulfill its mission, LCF directs three locally engaged and globally connected programs that are interwoven in their impact and networks: Progressive Preservation, Exhibit Columbus, and Columbus Design Institute. landmarkcolumbusfoundation.org
About Exhibit Columbus
Exhibit Columbus is a feature program of Landmark Columbus Foundation and an exploration of community, architecture, art, and design that activates the modern legacy of Columbus, Indiana. It creates a cycle of programming that uses this context to convene conversations around innovative ideas and commissions site-responsive installations in a free public exhibition. exhibitcolumbus.org
Header photos: InterOculus by Hadley Fruits for Landmark Columbus Foundation
