The adaptive reuse of Edward Valentine Studio brings together antiracism with the local context, culture, and political power. This 640-square-foot space uses its scale to intensify art's power to examine social frameworks. Architecture, experience design, programmed lighting, graphics, and artifacts come together to create an innovative physical and media-driven set piece. Together with 84 sculptures by Edward Valentine, there is a content narrative that challenges racial inequities and unpacks why and how public monuments can influence social equity. The museum presents evidence of American racism with data and collections that connect historical events and ongoing contemporary issues. Although architectural design traditionally incorporates materiality, systems design, and other aspects of physical space, this project shifts the paradigm, achieving its power from the interior design potential of color, furniture, and media. Five table-based narratives, in conjunction with archival materials, explore politics, money, media, religion, and other tactics of racism. Projections onto a black scrim synchronize with LED spotlights in a dynamic presentation cycle. Full-height banners bring the high ceiling into view, emphasizing spatial integration. This historic restoration is not benign; it is a complete rethinking of the meaning behind artistic creation and its impact on history.
