New Developments Announced for Fred Wilson’s E Pluribus Unum Public Artwork

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — After receiving multiple requests from concerned citizens, including Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) has agreed to a change of location of the proposed E Pluribus Unum, a public art project for the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene & Marilyn Glick.

The artwork, which would recreate a figure currently found on the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, was originally to be located on the front plaza of the City-County Building in conjunction with a nearby section of the Cultural Trail.

Fred Wilson, the artist who proposed E Pluribus Unum, is internationally recognized for his work “repurposing” icons and artifacts in order to create new perspectives and meanings, and to help people see those artifacts in a different way, as he intends to do with E Pluribus Unum. His artwork was commissioned following recommendations made by the Cultural Trail Curatorial Advisory Committee, which was comprised of local curators of contemporary art, local artists, and relevant design professionals.

“The project is currently in its proposal state, and remains on hold,” said Brian Payne, president and CEO of CICF. “Since the project’s inception we have been committed to a full and inclusive discussion throughout the entire community in order to determine how best to proceed with this project, including whether the project should be completed at all. As a result of this process, the project would not be located on the City County Building property, and we will continue gathering additional feedback regarding the location and other elements in order to best address community interests.”

A series of community meetings, developed in conjunction with the Race and Cultural Relations Leadership network, a committee of the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, has been in the planning stages, and dates will be announced soon. Those interested in attending the meetings to discuss the project may find a schedule, along with more information about the project, at fredwilsonindy.org, or by calling 317.631.6542, ext. 173.