Artist selected for Boylston Street Memorial Markers

Together with the five families who lost loved ones as a result of the events of the 2013 Boston Marathon, Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Father John Unni from St. Cecilia  Parish, who was asked to facilitate this effort in order to provide emotional and spiritual support, today announced initial plans for installations to commemorate the victims and survivors of the April 15, 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. A phased process will include the siting of markers on the two bombing locations, followed by the eventual installation, after a robust public process, of a larger monument signifying the resilience of the City.

"We will never forget the events of April 15, 2013," said Mayor Walsh. "Together, these memorials will create a place for people to connect with each other, and to reflect. The result will be a testament to the spirit and resiliency of the people of Boston, and a way to honor those we have lost, and those who are still healing."

The artist selection and design process for the Boylston Street memorial markers started approximately one year ago and included preliminary discussions with a variety of world-renowned artists. The families described their aspirations for a timeless memorial and the artists responded with preliminary design concepts for their review and consideration.  

"It is really a honor and a privilege to accompany these beautiful families through the process of creating a lasting memorial to loved ones who died on that day and are so deeply missed," said Father Unni. "I hope that over time, these memorials will serve as a beacon of peace, reflection and remembrance."

The families unanimously selected Pablo Eduardo to design the markers on the two bombing sites on Boylston Street. A graduate of the The School of the Museum of Fine Arts and Tufts University, Mr. Eduardo has over 20 years of experience creating sculptures. Eduardo will work in collaboration with the families, the City of Boston and the Boston Art Commission to design, construct, and install this memorial.  

"It is humbling to have been chosen to create a work of art that will honor the victims of the 2013 Boston Marathon attack," said Mr. Eduardo. "Art is a powerful vehicle for remembrance and healing, and my goal is for this art to embody the spirit of those we lost and the spirit of the city they loved."

The art installation at the site(s) of the attack is scheduled to be complete by April 2018.

Additionally, on April 24, 2017, the City of Boston will seek proposals from qualified consultants or a team of professionals to carry out a public engagement process that will culminate in the selection of an artist to design a work to honor and commemorate the survivors and victims, as well as Boston's first responders. This process will ensure that the call for artists, as well as the final artwork, reflects the resilience and resolve of the people of Boston in the face of unspeakable loss and tragedy.

The consultant will begin working toward an agreed-upon approach for the project with the City of Boston and key stakeholders, before leading approximately four months of public engagement outlined in a public engagement plan. The City is encouraging a breadth of engagement methods including public town-hall style meetings, digital campaigns, exhibits or hands-on activities, marketing and outreach through multimedia, with consideration for translation and maximizing access to participation. Results of the public engagement will shape the call for artists.

The City of Boston, the Boston Art Commission, and the consultant will manage the design and installation of the work with the artist, maintain a schedule, as well as facilitate meetings on design and feasibility. Final budget for the artwork will be included in the call for artists and finalized by the City. The anticipated completion date for this installation is April 2020.