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An agreement has been finalized between the Chicago Park District, the City of Chicago, and the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) concerning the Christopher Columbus statue that was removed from Arrigo Park in July 2020. According to the settlement, the City, which owns the statue, will loan it to the JCCIA. The organization plans to display the statue inside a building in Chicago that it is redeveloping.
The Chicago Park District, aligning with the Chicago Monuments Project's recommendations, intends to remove the plinth of the Columbus monument at Grant Park. This action aims to restore public access and begin a process to decide which new art piece will be installed.
“The Chicago Park District is committed to diversifying our statuary to ensure we are honoring Chicago's rich history and diversity,” stated General Superintendent and CEO Ramirez-Rosa. He mentioned the plans to start the procedure to select an Italian American figure to be honored at Arrigo Park and determine the new artworks for the Grant Park area. The process will include engaging with Chicago’s diverse communities.
With the lawsuit settled, the City and the Park District look forward to starting the commissioning of a new statue for Arrigo Park. The Park District, along with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), will lead community discussions to choose a person recognized for contributions to Chicago’s Italian American community. Once this phase is over, a Request for Qualifications will be issued for interested artists.
DCASE and the Chicago Park District will manage the community engagement and issuance of the Request for Qualifications for the new Arrigo Park statue. They will consult with artists and community members for this venture. Following the Grant Park plinth removal, the Park District plans to redesign the plaza, making it a space for temporary artworks.
