DC Might Burn After All: Your Help Wanted

After we posted our story about the marvelously creative display of Rome's coliseum burning (see the video in our previous column), we received a message from William Herbig of the National Capital Planning Commission, letting us know that the NCPC is looking for new, creative ways to honor American history.

There will be a forum on Beyond Granite: Global Approaches to Public Art, Placemaking, and National Commemoration on December 8th and the public is invited.

The National Capital Planning Commission and its partners are beginning to explore alternative methods to honoring America’s most significant people and events. These might include temporary public art installations (much like the burning coliseum).

We invite you and the readers of All Life is Local to join NCPC, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the British Council, and the Trust for the National Mall as we discuss global approaches and other creative ways in which the nation’s narrative can be told through alternative methods.

The forum takes place on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 6:30 PM at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Confirmed participants include Julian Laverdiere, one of the designers of the World Trade Center Towers’ Tribute in Light; Krzysztof Wodiczko, Harvard professor and artist with a specialty in temporary and interactive light installations; and Justine Simons, director, London's Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square.

Come out and learn how temporary art installations can help alleviate pressure on the National Mall, open the door to more artists and project sponsors, prompt greater exploration of new and dynamic designs and materials, and bring new people into the discussion about placemaking in the public realm.

The event is free and open to the public, but RSVP requested.