Yesterday, the Mellon Foundation unveiled its grant of $6.8 million to The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) to support the creation of new monuments that portray a more inclusive and accurate representation of Chicago's history. This substantial contribution will enable the realization of various memorable projects within the city, permanently and temporarily adding to Chicago's collection of public art and giving voice to previously excluded or marginalized groups in the urban narrative via impactful and engaging installations. According to their press release, these new works range from the Chicago Torture Justice Memorial to the exploration of Native American stories and legacies in the region.
Originally launched in 2020, the Mellon Monuments Project is a five-year, $250 million investment aimed at reimagining and rebuilding commemorative spaces in the United States. With the goal of transforming the way history is told in the country, the project seeks to make these spaces more inclusive, diverse, and truthful. Mayor Brandon Johnson stressed the important role monuments play in the city, stating that they are "more than just public art” they “speak directly to the values, history, and vision of our great city.”
The Chicago Monuments Project (CMP) came into existence following Chicago's need for a larger reckoning with existing monuments, which often symbolize outdated values and do not convey the full spectrum of events, individuals, and communities that have contributed to the city's rich history. The CMP is a collaboration between DCASE, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and the Chicago Park District (CPD), guided by an advisory committee of community leaders, artists, architects, scholars, curators, and city officials since 2020.
The CMP published its final report in August 2022, after conducting an extensive, community-focused engagement process involving thousands of Chicagoans from diverse backgrounds. Through surveys, live discussions, and free-response public feedback via ChicagoMonuments.org, the community members shared their thoughts and perspectives on the city's public monuments. Although many concerns were raised regarding the existing collection, it was agreed that the most important work ahead lay in the development of new monuments that would better represent a wide range of stories and truths.
In the spirit of inclusivity and openness, CMP released a call called "Reimagining Monuments: Request for Ideas" to solicit proposals from individual artists and community groups who seek to rethink the place, purpose, and permanence of monuments in public spaces. Responding to this call, eight new works were conceived, with initial planning grants of $50,000 awarded to organizations for project proposal development.
With the Mellon Foundation's funding, the CMP's eight priority projects and themes will be brought to life, introducing powerful and captivating new landmarks to Chicago's landscape. Notable projects include the Chicago Torture Justice Memorial by artist Patricia Nguyen and architectural designer John Lee; a new public art project titled the George Washington Monument Intervention by renowned Chicago artist Amanda Williams; and the Chicago Race Riots of 1919 Commemoration Project, designed and produced in partnership with young artists at Firebird Community Arts’ Project FIRE. Furthermore, additional funds will support the ongoing engagement of artists and communities through the creation of a website, updated signage, public art education programs and tools, and a comprehensive inventory, documentation, and condition assessment of the city's collection.
As the Mellon Foundation's grant breathes new life into the city’s public spaces, Chicago moves forward with the creation of monuments that better reflect its diverse and wide-ranging history.
