MONROE, La. – The Percent for Art program, a key initiative of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development’s Division of the Arts, is proud to announce the dedication of a new public art sculpture titled “Here We Go” by acclaimed artist Beth Nybeck. The dedication will take place on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in Sandel Hall on the campus of the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) during University Week. The dedication ceremony will feature remarks from ULM officials and a presentation of the sculpture, celebrating the collaborative effort that brought this project to fruition.
“This incredible sculpture will add visibility to our cultural heritage on an already beautiful campus in Monroe,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “Through the Percent for Art program we are able to improve the environment on the grounds of state buildings, creating economic opportunities and training for artists.”
This significant public art installation represents the culmination of a collaborative effort between the Percent for Art program and ULM. The sculpture, “Here We Go,” integrates handwritten responses from ULM students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who shared their aspirations and goals through the prompt “I am going to ______.” These contributions reflect a diverse range of personal, professional, and global ambitions.
Beth Nybeck, whose work has garnered positive feedback from the ULM community, collected these responses during her campus visits in March 2022 and 2023. The sculpture is positioned strategically between Sandel Hall and the Clarke M. Williams Student Success Center, serving as a dynamic and inspiring addition to the ULM campus environment.
Administered by Office of Cultural Development’s Division of Arts, the Percent for Art program allocates one percent of state funds from construction and renovation projects exceeding $2 million to support public art. This initiative aims to enhance the cultural and artistic landscape of Louisiana through carefully selected projects. Nybeck was chosen from a competitive field of 64 applicants, highlighting the high caliber of artistic talent supported by the program. The Percent for Art program, which has supported public art projects for over two decades, is excited to see the positive impact of “Here We Go” and to continue fostering public art projects that enrich our communities.