Beyond Granite pilot drew strong public interest; NCPC and partners plan next iteration

Commissioners heard evaluation results for the Beyond Granite pilot exhibition 'Pulling Together,' which ran on the National Mall in August–September 2023. Joanna (NCPC staff) and Teresa Durkin of the Trust for the National Mall presented the project goals and partnerships; Dr. Elizabeth Morton summarized findings from an audience engagement (intercept) survey of nearly 700 respondents.

Morton said the survey produced unusually high participation (about 90%), with 68% of respondents intentionally visiting the exhibition and 91% saying they would be likely to attend a future exhibition like this on the Mall; 97% of DC residents surveyed said they would be likely to attend another exhibit. Visitors cited the artworks’ stories, interactivity and the Mall setting as the most memorable elements. The evaluator noted strong public enthusiasm and recommended adjustments such as improved shade, seating and accessibility (summer timing posed heat challenges) and suggested stronger off‑mall neighborhood engagement for future iterations.

Commissioners praised the pilot and recommended continued partnership with local artists, schools and neighborhood stakeholders, and asked staff to pursue options for dedicated temporary sites or rotating plinths to institutionalize the program. The evaluation report will be published in May, and staff indicated they are defining the next iteration of the program.