Artists Called To Design LGBT Memorial In New York’s West Village

The competition deadline is November 21.

From: NewNowNext

 New York is asking artists from around the country to submit designs for a memorial dedicated to LGBT victims of intolerance and violence.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced plans for the memorial following the June 12 mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. The governor has set aside $800,000 for the project, which will also honor New Yorkers who have fought for LGBT equality.

“New York has a storied history of being at the forefront of the fight for equal rights and it is essential that we always honor the people who sought to achieve fairness for the LGBT community,” Cuomo said in a statement.

On Thursday, Gov. Cuomo sent out the call to “all experienced New York artists from Buffalo to Montauk to submit their vision and help us create a monument that will serve as an enduring symbol of the sacrifice New Yorkers have played in building a fairer, more just world.”

A spokesperson from the governor’s office later clarified that the state would accept applications from all artists, not just those based in New York.

Current plans will see the memorial built in Hudson River Park between Bethune Street and West 12th Street in the West Village.

The competition timeline is posted online and shows that artists have until November 21 to submit their designs. The state will review the designs with the LGBT Memorial Commission and publicly announce the winner sometime in December.

The commission, which the Gov. Cuomo assembled, is composed of New York-based artists and activists, including transgender campaigner Melissa Sklarz and former New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, as well as leaders from groups such as the LGBT Center and the Stonewall Democrats.