Join the Curatorial Partners for a deep dive into the making of this cycle—and its power to inspire other communities.

Saturday, August 16

First Christian Church

Join us for the Opening Day of the 2025 Exhibition, Yes And, with all events free and open to the public!

The afternoon of Opening Day will feature a conversation between the 2024–25 Yes And Curatorial Partners about community, architecture, art, and design. The seven Curatorial Partners will discuss the curatorial theme, Yes And, and the ideas explored throughout the two-year cycle.

• Could Be Design Architects
• Mila Lipinski Architectural Associate
• Rasul Mowatt Writer and Educator
• Preservation Futures Preservationists, Architect and Historian
• Too Black Artist and Poet

Light refreshments and drinks will be provided by Lucabe Coffee Co. Immediately following the Curatorial Conversation, site activations will take place at Inside Out, Pool/Side, and Lift.

During Opening Day, each of the 13 installations will be activated uniquely throughout the day, featuring activities designed for relaxation, enjoyment, and connection.

Yes And — Curatorial Statement

For the fifth cycle of Exhibit Columbus, Yes And invites contributors to explore the legacy of Columbus, Indiana, by adding to the multiple and overlapping lives of buildings and spaces. Originating in improv theater, Yes And is a technique for affirming and building upon an idea to create a shared narrative. It is a participatory call to work from existing material to shape positive change.

Through a cycle of events, Exhibit Columbus will encourage the public to collaborate in the creation of the ongoing performance of the city. Whether we’re recovering architectural remnants, reflecting on cultural legacy, staging a dramatic spectacle, or reimagining public play, Yes And invites everybody to the public spaces of Columbus to expand what forms of togetherness and collaboration are possible.

Visit the Exhibit Columbus website for a full list of free public events during Opening Weekend.

Opening Weekend will enliven downtown Columbus and celebrate the city’s architecture and design legacy with thirteen outdoor installations. This weekend is the only opportunity during the exhibition’s three-month run to see the exhibition alongside all the architects, landscape architects, artists, and designers who created the installations, as well as Columbus residents and visitors from around the world.