New York artists are being given the opportunity to create a lasting tribute to the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, with Governor Kathy Hochul announcing a design contest for a memorial to be situated at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 1. Described by Hochul as embodying "New York values of grit, tenacity and compassion," the memorial aims to honor Ginsburg's contributions to civil rights and gender equality, reported Gothamist.
According to a press release, this project comes on the heels of the fifth anniversary of Ginsburg's death in September 2020, and stands as a testament to a Brooklyn native whose legal acumen and dedication towards dismantling barriers has inspired many. The memorial will provide space for reflection and inspiration, on a woman who became known not just for her majority opinions but for her poignant dissents in a Supreme Court that leaned conservative during the latter part of her tenure. Submissions for the competition are due by February 2, 2026, as detailed by WGRZ.
Governor Hochul noted the significant role that Ginsburg played in transforming the law, her service spanning over four decades, and the hope that the memorial will act as a beacon for justice and equality. Meanwhile, Justice Ginsburg's daughter, Jane C. Ginsburg, and her granddaughter Clara Spera expressed their excitement to see how artists will interpret and honor her formidable legacy.
The undertaking is backed by a $1 million state capital grant administered through Empire State Development, and it involves a selection committee that includes family members, clerks that have worked with Ginsburg, and people from the arts and advocacy realms. After the first phase of the competition, a group of finalists will be chosen to further develop their proposals. Brooklyn Bridge Park President Eric Landau conveyed pride in hosting the memorial, stating that Ginsburg's legacy as a trailblazer continues to inspire, and the park looks forward to offering a community space to reflect on her life and impact.
Artists interested in participating in this significant project can find more information and application materials on the respective websites.
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