This is an update to the Design Ideas Competition, Monument Avenue : General Devotion, General Demotion that began in April last year. On February 14th, as part of the second phase of the design ideas competition to reimagine Monument Avenue, the final 20 shortlisted posters along with other entries from all over the world, were exhibited at The Valentine, and will be open to viewing until December 1, 2019.

Entries of the Monumental Youth competition for high school students are also on display at the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design. These entries include a collection of sketches, sculptures and narratives of the children’s vision of a monument they wish to see at the avenue. Through guided workshop sessions, “students were asked to identify a hero, distinguish between memorials and monuments, and consider the role of public art as it reflects the dynamic and diverse population of Richmond. “

The National Endowment for the Arts provided the grant for this design competition which was a collaborative effort by the Valentine, Storefront for Community Design and VCUarts mOb studiO. The wide variety of proposals on display provide food for thought through their bold and out of the box concepts. Throughout the duration of the exhibit, visitors can vote for their favorite poster or idea through a public polling process to nominate the People’s Choice Award. The finalists will remain anonymous until November 21, when the three winning concepts selected by the jury and the People’s Choice award will be announced at a closing reception at The Valentine.

Organizers also plan on hosting a series of public events and community conversation during the course of the exhibit, to spur dialogue about the ideas presented and to also encourage visitors to envision their own version of the historic boulevard.

If you plan on heading to Richmond, VA anytime this year, visit the Valentine exhibit and vote for your favorite idea.