fun, funky, and irreverent art
The spirit of the University District has been influenced from its earliest days by the diversity of people that have called it home. Whether seeking a better life, taking a journey of education and self-discovery, or searching for a place that allows from creative self-expression, our residents have helped shape the neighborhood into the vibrant, diverse, and irreverent place it is today. Taking that spirit and enhancing the University District's community of arts venues and artists - whether visual, performing, music, or written - has become a priority for residents and businesses.
Support the Glen Echo Bird Tunnel
The Glen Echo Bird Tunnel mural, located beneath the historic Indianola Bridge in Glen Echo Park, has been an iconic feature of the University District for many years.
Unfortunately, due to repeated vandalism, the City has determined that the current mural cannot be restored.
A dedicated working group — including passionate residents, University District Organization, Friends of the Ravines, Friends of Glen Echo, City Council, City departments, and the Greater Columbus Arts Council — has committed to bringing a new public art installation to life in 2027.
Here’s how you can support our efforts:
Join us on Sunday, May 17th, from 10 AM to 12 PM for a community cleanup and "painting party" in Glen Echo Park.
Together, we'll cover the existing graffiti and mural, pick up litter in partnership with FLOW, and, most importantly, gather your ideas and input for the next mural installation. Come help shape what comes next!
Donate to the Glen Echo Bird Tunnel Mural Fund!
We want to do this right, which means we need to hire an artist to create this new public art installation! Please consider donating so we can accomplish our goal.
Public Art Happenings
past projects
The University District Organization has helped to produce public art and advocate for more throughout the years. Those projects can continue to be celebrated and documented here.
community involvement
arts & character plan
The University District Arts & Character Plan creates a blueprint for the neighborhoods' artistic path forward. It showcases community-generated concepts that can be implemented with a community-driven action plan. The plan also represents a framework so that when artists and creatives from outside of the University District produce work, they can easily be inspired.
Through extensive community input, workshops, surveys here is what the community said:
“We are fun, funky, and irreverent - let's stay that way”
“We have many neighborhoods & people - they need represented”
“We're under the radar - our art should be too”
“We have a huge array of artists - let's provide them a canvas to create”
“We love our neighborhood lore - let's celebrate it”
Hey! I have an art project that I want to get off the ground!
Community art is always welcome in the University District as the area has a long history of grass-roots initiatives. There are two paths to consider when creating public art:
