The theme of the fourth cycle of Exhibit Columbus, Public by Design, built on the legacy of Columbus, Indiana to explore how collaborations between communities and designers could revitalize and reimagine historic downtowns as equitable, beautiful, and joyful places. Public by Design served as a platform for many vibrant communities to become connected around the values of inclusivity, care, and generosity. This cycle celebrated creative methods of collaboration that communities and designers could use to grow a sense of belonging and connection in public spaces.

These ideas extended 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 were amplified and celebrated in the design process. We believed this collaborative effort and the process of co-creation would resonate far beyond the city limits of Columbus.

The 2023 Exhibition featured temporary installations throughout downtown, whose impacts were lasting and profound. They grew from the ideas explored in the Symposium, collaborations with community partners, and the creative imagination of the participants. The installations served as prototypes for permanent change in the urban core of this city and examples for other communities to consider.

Public by Design represented an opportunity for each of us to play new and transformative roles in shaping a public life that was more connected to public places and public institutions.