The Monument Project invites people from a broad range of backgrounds to create their own version of a monument. Participants will be provided with a Mini-Monument Kit containing a bar of oil-based clay and asked to create their own permanent bronze sculpture, memorializing something of personal significance, using a combination of traditional techniques and new technologies. Local X Change will collect each participant’s clay sculpture, 3D scan each form, and output the form as a 3D print that will be used to bronze cast each citizens’ monument. The bronze monuments will be shared in a public exhibition before presenting the forms back to their creators.

The Monument Project is inspired by a desire to promote conversations between artists and non-artists around the roles of public art and shared space. The work of Local X Change empowers project participants and collaborators to reimagine the role of art in society. Every participant’s contribution to The Monument Project is unique, yet equal, and the whole would not be possible without the input from the group. The work of Local X Change makes non-artists feel empowered to create art and also encourages a greater awareness of how art can positively impact their lives and their surroundings. As the public dialogue around monuments has intensified over the past year, The Monument Project has become even more relevant. We are excited to help amplify the voices of a diverse group of community members and allow them to participate in the collective conversation about monument authorship, values and display.