The Ohio State University has collaborated with the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) to bring #ArtUnitesCbus, a Black Lives Matter public art initiative, to the Columbus campus this fall. The murals will be installed in the plaza south of the Wexner Center for the Arts, Thompson Library, and Hale Black Cultural Center.
Following the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent protests, GCAC and the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts employed Columbus-based artists to paint murals on the plywood used to cover broken windows at the Ohio Theatre and Arts Council offices. The project spread throughout Columbus, and by the end of June 2020, more than 200 murals had been created. Their messages ranged from support for Black Lives Matter, to tributes to George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, to messages of love and hope.
The public quickly advocated for preserving the murals and giving them a life after they were removed from storefront windows. GCAC committed to preserving and exhibiting many of the plywood murals and encouraging dialogue about the Black Lives Matter movement as our city and our country work toward racial equity.
Art Unites Columbus at Ohio State brings together a diverse group of partners from across the university to engage both the campus and local communities in critical conversations about the work. Led by the Wexner Center for the Arts and University Libraries, the project will include robust programming that explores a wide range of topics, such as art’s role as a catalyst for social change and the history of underlying systemic racism.
Related Resources and Programs
Artwork locations
Plaza south of the Wexner Center for the Arts
1871 N. High St. (outside)
Hours: Open 24 hours
Thompson Library Gallery
1858 Neil Ave. (inside)
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 10 am – 6 pm
Sat – Sun: 12 – 6 pm
Thompson Library first floor atrium
1858 Neil Ave. (inside)
Hours:
Mon – Thu: 7:30 am – midnight
Fri: 7:30 am – 10 pm
Sat: 8 am – 10 pm
Sun: 11 am – midnight
Hale Black Cultural Center
154 West 12th Ave. (inside)
Hours:
Mon – Sun: 9 am – 5 pm
Known artists
| Aaron Haah | Dionne Custer Edwards | Lisa C. Shepherd |
| Airi Marshall | Dustinteractive | Loryn V. |
| Airi Reese | Erica LeGault | Meg Beech |
| Alex Williams | Felicia Dunson (FDZ) | Michael Hodges |
| Aly Moore | Jade Davis | Michol Childress |
| Andrew Lundberg | Jessica Kavinsky | Molly Bobich |
| April Sunami | Jessica Roach | Natalie, 13yo |
| Becca Persons | Jillian Smith | NewPeace2020 |
| Brigid McGovern | Joel Cross | Peter Franz |
| Brittany | Justin Nottke | Rob Hren |
| Bryan Owens | Kellagh Frank | Shayana P. |
| Bryant Anthony (Bee1ne) | Kelsey Yappel | Shelbi Harris (SHEL10) |
| Cory Minton | Kelsi Minerd | Siobhán Fitzgerald |
| Daidria Eckels | Kendyll Schaeffer | Sitiah Hodge |
| Dan Gerdeman | Kristen Schwenger | Stephanie Rond |
| Danielle Poling | Kyle Meeker | Teresa |
| Derrick Callender | Lauren Ashleigh | Trinity Mattox |
Programming
Check back for more information on related programs and curricular tie-ins.
Ohio State collaborators include University Libraries, Wexner Center for the Arts, University Outreach and Engagement, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Hale Black Cultural Center, and faculty members from various academic units, including Social Work, Architecture, Art and the History of Art.
Art Unites Columbus is made possible with the generous support of:
Additional support provided by Grange Insurance and 5th Ave. Lumber
