Competition FAQ
Eligible participants are students who are currently enrolled in an art, design, or construction related discipline. This includes, for example, architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, graphic design, ceramics, and related fields.
Students may submit either as individuals or as teams. Teams may include up to two people, and each team will submit one shared entry.
Part Three is an announcement and celebration of the three Student Design Competition finalists. No additional design work is required from applicants for this phase beyond what they have already submitted for Part Two.
Yes. For Part 1, only a written narrative and examples of previous work or a portfolio are due by January 12 2026. Approximately one month is provided for those materials, including time during winter break. The more intensive design work for the competition takes place after most schools have returned from winter break.
Absolutely. We welcome participation from any discipline that relates to designing and constructing a memorial for George Floyd, as long as students meet the eligibility criteria above. Please feel free to share this opportunity with programs such as construction management, urban studies, community planning, and other design and art fields.
Underground elements and excavation may be possible, but they must respect existing utilities and will be subject to final review by city engineers. It is common for projects in the public right of way to remove sidewalk panels or complete limited excavation as part of construction.
There is no fixed height limit set in advance. The final built design will need to meet city structural, safety, and accessibility requirements, which will be reviewed once the selected design is more fully developed. Memorials and sculptures in public space are often treated as structures that people may sit or climb on, so students are encouraged to think about live loads and safety in their design approach.
During the competition phase, students will work within a clearly defined site boundary and general context for the memorial plaza. Detailed engineering and code requirements, such as exact structural systems, foundation depths, clearances, and other technical parameters, will be developed and applied later in collaboration with the City once a specific design is selected and moves toward construction.
Q+A With George floyd's family
Family member:
My position would be that if you have any reservations about the possibility of taking the finalist spot then do not enter the competition.
Family Member:
The timeline is long enough and is geared towards those individuals who are not hindered by time constraints. If this timeline is not long enough for an individual to provide thoughtful design work, then this will help us to narrow down the list of finalist entries.
Family Member 1:
Submitting a project does not mean you automatically earn a stipend or win a prize. If the submission meets the outlined criteria, I think the has artist put their heart and soul into the project. To me, that would show that they are not in it for the $$$.
Family Member 2:
There is always a possibility that the stipend could be a motivation but I think it is necessary to draw some very creative and talented applicants who may shy away due to financial challenges.
Family Member:
We are asking individuals to present their portfolios and vision for the design. The judges will select what resonates with them. It is a fair playing field to not limit the types of design disciplines.
Family Member 1:
Racialized violence did not start with George and other local murders. However, George’s death sparked an international movement for change. Because his death happened in Minneapolis, the local movement gained worldwide attention. My response here is an addendum to my response to the first question in this set of questions. Because of Darnella Frazier’s courage to video the entire incident, the world witnessed this tragedy and became outraged to the point of hitting the streets and proclaiming “Enough Is Enough”. George’s death became the tipping point for the modern-day demand for DEI.
Family Member 2:
There is a global phase because although the murder occurred in Minneapolis and the BLM movement was rooted in the US, the impact of the murder of George was felt well beyond the borders of the US and had a global impact. This murder was not just a moment but the catalyst for a movement that continues to reverberate across the world. The homage will always be given to the community that showed up when everything started hence why the memorial is happening in the place where it all began. The local lived experience cannot be denied as the community will continue to be tapped into for feedback.
Family Member:
The panel of decision makers will always include family members of George Floyd, those who have been impacted by systemic racism, and individuals with a vested interest in changing systemic racism. Inclusion of others is necessary due to the global impact, but it is not intended to dim the light around what happened to George, but rather to shine a light for generations to come.
Memorial Design Competition Contact Form
Still have comments or questions about the competition? Fill out this form and we will get back to you!
*This form is only for the memorial competition. If you have general questions, please return to the home page and fill out the form there
