Columbus Permanent Memorial to Murder Victims
Columbus seeks artists to design a permanent memorial for homicide victims, incorporating preserved locks from Rich Street Bridge with $180,000 budget.
The City of Columbus, in partnership with the Greater Columbus Arts Council and Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children, is seeking artists to design and create a permanent memorial dedicated to homicide victims in the Columbus community.
Background: Beginning in 2021, families of homicide victims gathered at the Rich Street Bridge to participate in ceremonies where they engraved locks in honor of their loved ones. This grassroots memorial tradition created a meaningful community gathering space. However, in March 2024, the city removed the locks due to structural concerns about their weight affecting the bridge's integrity. The city preserved approximately 600+ locks in storage, and families were disappointed by the sudden removal without advance notice.
Project Details: The new permanent memorial will be located in a small parklet at the base of the Rich Street Bridge on the west side of the river. Artists are encouraged to incorporate the preserved locks into their designs while also bringing their own creative vision to the project. The memorial should serve as a permanent place of reflection and solace for those impacted by violence in the community.
Budget and Compensation: The total project budget is $180,000, which covers both artist compensation and all costs including materials, transportation, and installation. Approximately 75% of funding comes from city sources. The budget is acknowledged as potentially limited for a major public art installation of this scale.
Selection Process: A committee will review all applications and select finalists. Each finalist will receive a $1,000 stipend to develop a detailed proposal including conceptual designs, budget breakdowns, and project timeline. The final artist selection will occur in March, with installation expected to begin in fall 2026.