Who tells the story? Chicago changes the landscape of memory
Project: review to redefine how the City’s history is represented and acknowledged
The Purpose
The Chicago Monuments Project (CMP) was initiated to address the need for a comprehensive review of publicly owned monuments throughout the City of Chicago. The purpose is to identify monuments that no longer align with contemporary collective values and determine the appropriate actions to be taken in relation to these monuments. CMP aims to rethink how history is memorialized in the city, with a focus on inclusivity, addressing past omissions, and challenging the traditional concept of permanent and physical monuments.
The Challenge
The challenge was to confront the issue of monuments that no longer represent current values and to consider how to reconfigure the narrative surrounding historical representation. This involved understanding who has been left out of the stories that are told and whether monuments must always adhere to the conventional perception of being “monumental.”
To further implement the recommended changes and engagement strategies outlined in the report, CMP was awarded a $6.8 million grant from the Mellon Foundation in 2023.
The Solution
CMP is a collaborative effort involving the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and the Chicago Park District (Parks). It operates under the guidance of an advisory committee comprising community leaders, artists, architects, scholars, curators and City officials. CMP began work in the autumn of 2020, conducted outreach throughout 2021, and compiled analysis and recommendations in 2022. To further implement the recommended changes and engagement strategies outlined in the report, CMP was awarded a $6.8 million grant from the Mellon Foundation in 2023.
The Impact
The impact of the Chicago Monuments Project is expected to be substantial in redefining how the city’s history is represented and acknowledged. It aims to address the issue of outdated monuments and ensure that the city’s commemorative practices are inclusive and reflective of contemporary values. By receiving funding to implement the recommendations, CMP is well-positioned to make meaningful changes in the way Chicago approaches its public monuments and historical narratives, challenging traditional notions of permanence and physicality in monumentation.
Images Courtesy © City of Chicago, Getty/Canva
