Commission seeking proposals for design of Women’s Monument

The Virginia Women’s Monument Commission is seeking proposals for a site-specific sculpted design for installation on the grounds of Capitol Square in Richmond.

This Monument will stand as a reminder of the vital roles – both symbolic and specific – that women have played in Virginia history, and will serve to educate and inspire future generations of Virginians. It is the Commission’s hope that the Monument will also spark inquiry and encourage educational endeavors highlighting the accomplishments of Virginia’s women spanning four centuries and beyond.

The Monument is a vision of Em Bowles Locker Alsop. With assistance from the Friends of Virginia History, Mrs. Alsop presented her request for a permanent tribute and received overwhelming support from the Virginia General Assembly. The principal purpose of Senate Joint Resolution 11 (SJR 11), presented by Senator Walter A. Stosch (R-Henrico), affords permanent recognition to the history of Virginia women who made significant contributions over the centuries to both the Commonwealth and the nation.

Nine community conversations were held across the Commonwealth in October to engage citizens in planning for a permanent tribute to Virginia women on Capitol Square.  Discussions revealed 14 broad themes illustrating a dynamic, interactive and thought-provoking Monument that may inspire the women of today while recognizing the struggles and accomplishments of those who became noted figures in Virginia’s past. Participants agreed the influence of this Monument should go a step further by encouraging visitors of all ages to connect with other historic sites at which women played significant roles. A photo gallery and summary of the community conversations are available online at

http://womensmonumentcom.virginia.gov/index.html.

“The commission members have had the opportunity to hear feedback from citizens from all across the Commonwealth on the themes and messages that a Monument to Virginia women should convey,” said Secretary of Administration Lisa Hicks-Thomas. “Now we are excited to see the vision that the artists will create based on that feedback. I anticipate that we will get a number of submissions from artists from all over the country and that the final product will be one that will inspire similar efforts in other states.”

The monument will bring the vision of Em Bowles Locker Alsop into focus. The recognition of Virginia women will attract national attention, create dialogue as an instructional tool about women’s history and inspire future generations of women.

Details on the criteria, timeline and application process are available on the Women’s Monument Commission’s website:

http://womensmonumentcom.virginia.gov.  Proposals must be submitted no later than Oct. 1, 2012.  The final selection will be announced during Women’s History Month (March 2013).

The Women’s Monument Commission was established as a standing commission of the Virginia General Assembly in 2010. As stated in Senate Joint Resolution 11 (SJR11), the purpose of the Commission is to determine and recommend to the General Assembly an appropriate Monument in Capitol Square to commemorate the contributions of the women of Virginia.