Washington Post: Opinion | New exhibit at National Mall shows how we can coalesce around shared history

Washington Post / by Elise Labor / Published August 22, 2023

Temporary installations dotting the Mall invite people to participate, cementing the space’s role as a living dialogue on democracy.

Imagine a city where temporary memorials dot the landscape, infusing every neighborhood with a revolving tapestry of stories that capture the essence of how we define, remember and engage with our democratic legacy. Washington could become more than a static monument to the past; it could grow into a living mural of the American spirit, capturing the stories of American ingenuity, innovation, creativity and resilience.

If we allow these narratives to flourish beyond the Mall’s grandeur, throughout Washington, every American, whether resident or visitor, can have an enduring relationship with our nation’s capital. The key is to cultivate partnerships, platforms and funding streams that allow artists, storytellers and the public to share their perspectives.