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Contest finalists chosen for the public art installation at the Covington Central Riverfront, with eight candidates remaining in the competition.

Eight contestants have progressed in the endeavor to craft a public art piece for Covington Central Riverfront district. These contenders were selected from a pool of 25 submissions received during the summer. A dialogue comprising local art connoisseurs, city authorities, and Covington...

Eight candidates chosen for the competition to set up a public artwork at the Covington Central...
Eight candidates chosen for the competition to set up a public artwork at the Covington Central Riverfront

Contest finalists chosen for the public art installation at the Covington Central Riverfront, with eight candidates remaining in the competition.

In the heart of Covington, eight talented artists have been selected as finalists to create a landmark public art installation for the revitalized Central Riverfront neighborhood. This unique opportunity, coordinated by The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center, The Center for Great Neighborhoods, ArtsWave, and the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, invites residents from all corners of Covington to participate in the selection process.

The competition, launched earlier this summer, received 25 submissions. Shannon Ratterman, executive director of The Center for Great Neighborhoods, emphasized the significance of this project, stating, "This is a chance for our city's 40,000+ residents to help select a piece of art that may become a city icon."

The finalists include a mix of locally and nationally renowned artists, as well as those with varying levels of experience in creating public art. The trio of artists vying for the coveted spot are Sarah Oppenheimer, Jorge Pardo, and Anna Campbell Bliss.

Each finalist will present their work at The Carnegie on September 30. During this event, they will explain their inspiration, share why their piece would serve as a landmark contribution to the Central Riverfront neighborhood, and allow time for audience questions and comments. Presentations will be limited to five minutes each.

After a winner is chosen, installation is expected to take place in spring 2026, weather permitting. Until then, the public can view the finalists' submissions on The Carnegie's website. For a closer look, the finalists' works will be showcased to the public at the Hellmann Creative Center from September 18 to September 30, during building hours and an after-hours showing.

The new neighborhood will feature a restored street grid, office space, housing, retail, and public gathering spaces. For more information about the Covington Central Riverfront neighbourhood, visit thecovky.gov.

Proposals should not only celebrate Covington's identity but also ensure the city's residents feel represented in this new chapter. To achieve this, artists are encouraged to incorporate artifacts salvaged from the IRS complex, such as metal letters, signs, clocks, guardrails, and the cornerstone. Community input is a key part of the selection process, and visitors can leave comments directly for the artists in on-site comment books.

This public art installation is more than just a piece of art; it's a symbol of the city's past, present, and future. Matt Distel, executive director of The Carnegie, expressed his delight with the range and diversity of submissions received, saying, "We're excited to see the creative vision these artists bring to our city."

Join us in celebrating the artistic journey of these eight finalists as they strive to create an iconic piece of art for the Covington Central Riverfront.

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