Landmark Columbus Foundation Announces the Launch of Public by Design Publication
Photo by Hadley Fruits.
The new book showcases a comprehensive look at the two-year cycle of Exhibit Columbus
Columbus, Indiana – Landmark Columbus Foundation (LCF) announces the publication of Public by Design, which charts the fourth cycle of Exhibit Columbus, Public by Design, from its inception with the Community Kickoff that introduced the Curatorial Team in early 2022 through the 2023 Exhibition that featured thirteen temporary installations of community-based art and architecture. This is a first-of-its-kind effort to document the collaborations, installations, and community engagement that made this cycle a transformative moment for Columbus, Indiana, and a model and resource for other communities engaged with improving urban centers through strategic investments in art and architecture.
“We are so proud to have this publication out today,” said Jamie Goldsborough, Creative Director at Landmark Columbus Foundation. “Through ten revealing essays and remarkable photography, this book underscores the power of community-engaged design to shape the cities we live in—making them more welcoming, vibrant, and connected.”
Public by Design serves as both a record and a guide for readers, offering insight into how the program Exhibit Columbus creates innovative ways for community engagement. With essays and detailed photography, the book acts as a "how-to" for creating an event or exhibition like Exhibit Columbus in other cities. The book is essential for urban planners, municipal leaders, architects, designers, artists, community leaders, and public officials interested in the intersection of design and public space.
The publication features newly commissioned essays, including:
Hands-on, Feet First Introduction by Jamie Goldsborough, Creative Director at Landmark Columbus Foundation
Most traditional biennial exhibitions place art in space, whereas Public by Design is about choreographing dynamic interactions within a site. The installations became tools for togetherness, prompting new ways of gathering, playing, and co-creating. Participants and residents didn’t just observe the work—they made use of it. The result was an exhibition that transformed Columbus into a living, breathing example of how public space can be equitable, beautiful, and joyful.
The Economics of Urban Choreography by Curatorial Advisors James Lima, Yuxiang Luo, and Hayley Oleksiak, James Lima Planning and Development, an economic and sustainable development firm based in New York City
Developing engaging and enriching experiences that not only attract visitors but also resonate with the diverse population of both the city and its surrounding areas can significantly impact the economy. This concept, which we refer to as the “economics of relevance,” highlights the importance of cities going beyond mere financial incentives and transportation conveniences.
How-to: The Art of Collaboration by Indiana University Center for Cultural Affairs and Ball State University Indiana Communities Institute
Pragmatic community leaders need to worry about getting stuff done, budgets and capacity, and herding cats. University folks—the ones you’ll want to partner with—are just as pragmatic. They just operate in a different world.
How-to Create Places That Matter by Brian Blackford (BSU Indiana Communities Institute)
Shifting economic and demographic paradigms are rapidly reinforcing the value of high-quality communities and redefining what it takes to ensure sustainable vibrancy. Prioritizing people and place in new and creative ways is a must for communities of all sizes and regardless of growth trends.
How-to Collaborate with Artists and Transform Public Space by Joanna Woronkowicz and Doug Noonan (Indiana University Center for Cultural Affairs)
Cities and corporations are hiring artists-in-residence to help infuse innovation into their operations, with the hope of finding solutions to problems and improving the way things get done.
A Locomotive Love Letter In-the-Round by 2022–23 University Design Research Fellows Joseph Altshuler and Zack Morrison (in addition, 2024–25 Exhibit Columbus Yes And Curatorial Partners)
Conventional public art has a tendency to take the form of sculptural objects that sit up on a plinth—aloof decorations for the city. I’m keen to stay at your level and invite you inside.
Public by Design, designed by SIGNALS, the 2022–23 Public by DesignCommunication Designer, and edited by Jamie Goldsborough, Landmark Columbus Foundation Creative Director. This thorough book features newly commissioned essays and dozens of images by Hadley Fruits, capturing the vibrancy of the exhibition and its impact in public space.
Launch Event March 20
Landmark Columbus Foundation invites the public to a special Happy Hour event on March 20 at the Columbus Area Visitors Center to celebrate the publication's release. This event will offer a unique opportunity to hear from Jamie Goldsborough, editor, and Hadley Fruits, photographer, who will briefly discuss the publication and answer questions from attendees. Light refreshments and drinks will be available, and guests are welcome to stop by at any time during the event to purchase a copy of Public by Design for $10 and engage in discussions about architecture, design, and community-driven projects.
Event Details
Public by Design Book Launch Happy Hour
Date: March 20, 2025
Location: Columbus Area Visitors Center
Time: 5 pm – 6:30 pm
For more information about the publication, visit the publication’s webpage: exhibitcolumbus.org/public-by-design-book. For press and photography of the book, visit this link. To purchase Public by Design, visit the Landmark Columbus Foundation Shop, the Columbus Area Visitors Center, or the independent bookstore Viewpoint Books.
Media Contact
Jamie Goldsborough
jamie@landmarkcolumbus.org
About Exhibit Columbus
Exhibit Columbus is a 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
