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World Heritage USA hosted a bi-coastal panel event series titled Monuments Summer: A Season of Dialogue that featured national public figures and scholars as they examine the racial and cultural dynamics of public monuments. The panelist explored these topics in the contexts of two communities; the California coast in San Diego, CA, and the American South in Charleston, SC.

In both Charleston and San Diego, monuments have been at the center of public debate in recent years– sparking conversations of how themes of racial injustice, slavery, and colonialism are represented in public spaces, and whose stories are being left untold.

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World Heritage USA hosted a bi-coastal panel event series titled Monuments Summer: A Season of Dialogue that featured national public figures and scholars as they examine the racial and cultural dynamics of public monuments. The panelist explored these topics in the contexts of two communities; the California coast in San Diego, CA, and the American South in Charleston, SC.

In both Charleston and San Diego, monuments have been at the center of public debate in recent years– sparking conversations of how themes of racial injustice, slavery, and colonialism are represented in public spaces, and whose stories are being left untold.

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This month's theme addresses the challenges of reassessing figures that are pivotal in telling a nation's story. Nationalism is a powerful force that is celebrated and emanated in our public spaces. Nationalism is not inherently bad, but may stymie the reception of contemporary values. While the populace continues to develop, the individuals that we choose to immortalize may become problematic or obscure in this new social landscape.

We are joined by two professors, each representing a different corner of the world. Dr. Shu-mei Huang will be covering the national and political contention around the Chiang Kai-shek statues in Taiwan, while Dr. Emily Mark-Fitzgerald will be analyzing Ireland's unique cases of rejection and destruction such as the bombing of Nelson's Pillar. We hope that you will be able to discuss these complex monuments together with our panelists.

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This month's theme sets aside our initial thoughts on oppressive monuments to gauge the figure's relevancy and potential for redemption. Although their history cannot be changed, one may be quick to vouch for removal/destruction before understanding the full picture. Together in collaboration with The Alliance for the Restoration of Cultural Heritage (ARCH International), and the staff of Memento Park in Budapest, Hungary, our panelists will analyze the unique solutions applied to case studies around the world and the strengths of incorporating public law contemporary public spaces.

Following the destruction of the Soldiers' Monument in Santa Fe Plaza on Indigenous Peoples Day, Director Cheryl Benard drafted the first handbook on dealing with controversial monuments. By incorporating criminal law, decision-makers would gain a streamlined process of navigating contention while allowing for all stakeholders to voice their perspectives. This tactic can be applied to dilemmas around the world, while positioning communities to weigh in on the fate of a monument or problematic narrative.

Memento Park houses many Soviet-era figures throughout the occupied history of Hungary from the 1900s. However, due to their displacement from public space into bare fields and in proximity of one another, they have almost become comical. In a strange twist, the public has even begun to make memes of the surviving statues; making these symbols of oppression into tourist attractions and entertainment. Despite the initial pushback, Memento Park's unique solutions have naturally embraced recontextualization as different generations of visitors are introduced.

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In Philadelphia, monuments are more than just stone and bronze. They're time capsules that take us back to pivotal moments in American history. From William Penn, the Liberty Bell, to even the Rocky Balboa statue, Philadelphia boasts a wide range of public art that rivals the most famous cities around the world. In fact, Philadelphia holds the world record for the most public art in a single city.

As we take a closer look at Philadelphia's monuments, we'll shine a light on the stories and history often left in the shadows. It’s only right that the Monuments Toolkit took a deep dive into the monuments that the city upholds, the monuments that have caused tension in recent years, and the right path for a city filled with so much history. Together, we'll grapple with the complexities of memory, seeking to understand how these monuments can bridge divides and pave the way for a more inclusive future.

For this conversation, we spoke with Paul Steinke from the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and Harry Philbrick from The Philadelphia Contemporary.

Earlier in his career, Paul Steinke served for four years as the founding Executive Director of University City District, a neighborhood improvement organization that has been central to the revitalization of West Philadelphia. Before that, Paul was a founding staff member of the Center City District, Philadelphia’s downtown improvement agency, where he spent seven years as its Finance Director.

Paul Steinke now serves as executive director of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, a membership-based organization whose mission is to promote the appreciation, adaptive re-use and development of the Philadelphia region’s historic buildings, communities and landscapes.

Harry Philbrick has over 25 years of experience in museum management, exhibition development, and educational programming. Philbrick is keenly aware of the challenges of making contemporary art exhibitions accessible to a variety of
Audiences. From 1996 - 2010 he was Director of The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, building the Museum’s celebrated new building, developing innovative education programs and leading the museum's exhibition program, working with artists such as Ann Hamilton, Robert Gober, Fred Wilson, and KAWS.

Philbrick founded Philadelphia Contemporary in 2016. The Contemporary‘s mission is to connect the people and places of Philadelphia through art and partnership.

The Monumental Project spoke on the history of the city, the monuments that shape the artistic culture, and how historic structures affect all of us. Enjoy!
@worldheritageusa @preservationallianceforgre4106

@philadelphiacontemporary7369

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Urban planning has been a hot topic in recent years, with the world's cities experiencing rapid growth and transformation. As populations surge and infrastructure struggles to keep up, urban planners face a myriad of challenges. One such challenge is how to reconcile the need for progress with the preservation of our cultural heritage. This issue is especially pronounced when it comes to monuments that have come under scrutiny for their controversial histories.

Many of these structures, from the Confederate memorials in the south to statues of colonial figures out west and on the east coast , have become flashpoints for social instability. For many, they are a bitter reminder of past atrocities as well as a celebration of authoritarian systems. Others see them as emblems of cultural heritage and testaments to their forefathers' achievements. How do we reconcile these opposed points of view, and what role do urban planners play in this debate?

As cities continue to evolve, their planning strategies must do the same. Urban planners have a critical role to play in shaping our cities and ensuring that they are inclusive, and equitable for all. This includes addressing the issue of controversial monuments and their impact on public spaces. Whether through the removal, relocation, or recontextualization of these structures, urban planners must find a way to strike a balance between preservation and progress. To speak to that, we sat down with Matthew Clarke from the Design Trust for Public Space.

Matthew Clarke joined the Design Trust in May of 2020 as Executive Director, where he advocates for the power of public space to build vibrant, equitable communities. As an architect, planner, and writer, he has created complex architectural and urban design projects; developed public-space policies; and developed national partnerships and initiatives. Prior to leading the Design Trust, Matthew was the National Director of Creative Placemaking at The Trust for Public Land, where he authored The Field Guide for Creative Placemaking and Parks. He has also held positions at SHoP Architects and NYC’s Department of Cultural Affairs,

The Monumental Project spoke with Matthew about how to shape cities for the future, how controversial monuments affect the average citizen, and the importance of a city that reflects the people within it. Enjoy!
@designtrustnyc

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This webinar highlights the work and methods of artists and designers who utilize public space as a canvas or installation site. Although identity and representation have grown in importance, we will ask “How well do our public spaces reflect the demographics and culture of our towns, cities, and lands? And what role does public art play in the reassessment of public spaces?” Often, interpreters or affiliated organizations are in a position to speak for the work of artists. This webinar pushes the activism of creators into the forefront, featuring guest speakers from the United States of America and Afghanistan.

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