COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Parks and Recreation Department and Columbus Area Arts Council (CAAC), in partnership with the Chicago-based design studio Could Be Design, are unveiling Carousel for Companionship, a reimagined version of “A Carousel for Columbus,” originally constructed for the 2023 Exhibit Columbus exhibition, Public By Design.
At the center of the installation is a rotating platform, designed to facilitate public programming, performances, and play. Its profiles, abstracted from the city’s iconic architecture, operate in visual tandem with a super graphic mural that energizes the central interior intersection within NexusPark.
The surrounding mural will be brought to life by Columbus-based artist Jenni Kiesler, who is collaborating with Could Be Design to translate the installation into large-scale artwork across the site. Kiesler will lead a team of local community volunteers to paint the mural, creating a hands-on experience for participants and passersby.
“NexusPark is already a hub for sports, wellness, and community connection,” said CAAC Executive Director Brooke Hawkins. “By integrating public art, we’re expanding the role of wellness to include creativity and imagination. Art belongs in spaces where people gather, move, and grow.”
“This project is a great example of how NexusPark can be more than just a destination for physical activity — it can also be a place where art and culture thrive,” added Columbus Parks and Recreation Director Mark Jones.
The installation is expected to be completed and open to the public by mid-July. Community painting days will be scheduled for adult volunteers aged 16 and above, with a special kids’ paint day for children aged four and above, and an adult. Visit artsincolumbus.org/carousel to register to volunteer.
Paint days/times for ages 16+
- Saturday, June 28 – 9 to 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Monday, June 30 – 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 1 – 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Paint days/times for ages 4+ (an adult must accompany the child)
- Monday, June 30 – 9 to 10 a.m.; 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Noon to 1 p.m.; 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
