Can a spectacular new piece of public art help to revitalize downtown Columbus? 

This week, we explore the role of public art in Columbus and how a new addition to the city’s public art scene became reality. “Current,” made from 78 miles of twine and bound together with more than a half-million knots, is the city’s largest public art installation ever. It’s the work of sculptor Janet Echelman and now hangs over North High Street in downtown Columbus.

The speakers are:

Marshall Shorts, Creative-N-Chief, Artfluential and Founding Board Member, Maroon Arts Group, who delivers opening remarks.

Sculptor Janet Echelman

Jeff Edwards, President of Edwards Companies and President, CEO, and Chairman of Installed Building Products

The host is Tom Katzenmeyer, President & CEO, Greater Columbus Arts Council.

CMC’s "Developing a Dynamic Downtown" series is presented by the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and Capitol South and sponsored by Thompson Hine. This forum was also sponsored by King Business Interiors and was supported by the Grange Insurance Audubon Center.

The livestream was supported by The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation and The Columbus Dispatch.

It was recorded before a live audience in Columbus, Ohio on May 31, 2023.