The experimental design lab of VCU’s School of the Arts, mOb (or middle of Broad), is partnering with Storefront for Community Design to hold a national competition for design submissions regarding Richmond’s historic and controversial Monument Avenue and its Confederate statues.
The project is titled General Demotion/General Devotion, and the design competition and exhibitions will happen in the spring and fall of 2018, with a call for entries scheduled this fall. It’s being supported by a $30,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
A press release states that the project hopes to create “a unique vehicle for engaging in a community and nation-wide dialogue about the role of sculpture, monuments, and public spaces in creating a socially just environment.”
The project is being directed by Camden Whitehead, associate professor of Interior Design, accompanied by project liaisons Kristin Caskey, associate professor of Fashion Design, and Ryan Rinn, executive director of Storefront.
The documentary, which can be viewed here, follows six students from SPARC’s inclusive arts education program for students with and without disabilities. The annual LIVE ART event, which often features visiting celebrities and musical stars, is the premiere event for the school each year.
The film, produced and directed by Martin Montgomery, Ryan Ripperton and William Gaff, was eligible for the award after airing nationally on PBS stations.