Unveiling Columbia's Stories Through Art
One Columbia is proud to announce the launch of the Cultural Layers public art project, an initiative designed to preserve, honor, and celebrate the stories and histories of our community through visual art.
This unique project, funded by the Knight Foundation through Central Carolina Community Foundation, will incorporate layered narratives and artistic expressions to reflect the identity and cultural memory of historically significant neighborhoods in Columbia.
About Our Project
The Cultural Layers project is deeply connected to the neighborhoods it seeks to honor, including the historically significant Ward One area in Columbia, SC. Once a vibrant, predominantly Black community, Ward One was bound by Huger, Heyward, Main, and Gervais streets and thrived as a close-knit neighborhood where “everybody knew everybody.” By the 1930s, it was home to families who worked in mills, railroads, and warehouses, creating a unique and rich cultural legacy.
Although Ward One was displaced in 1968 to make way for the University of South Carolina’s development, its spirit continues to resonate in the memories of former residents and the historic markers that now commemorate its impact. Through the Cultural Layers project, One Columbia aims to honor and preserve these stories, ensuring the legacy of such neighborhoods lives on through art and shared history. This initiative celebrates the cultural contributions of Ward One and other communities, transforming their narratives into a lasting visual heritage for Columbia.
The Project Is Complete
The Cultural Layers project is complete, and what a journey it has been. This public art initiative set out to preserve, honor, and celebrate the stories and histories of our community through visual art—and thanks to Columbia, it did exactly that. Today, those stories live on in murals and artwork that honor the people who shaped our city.
Two Celebrations, One Unforgettable Community
We are still overwhelmed by the turnout at our Cultural Layers Community Celebrations. On Saturday, July 18, neighbors, families, and history-keepers filled Richland Library Edgewood for the first unveiling. The next day, Sunday, July 19, the energy carried straight into the Richland Library Main Auditorium for a second celebration that overflowed with pride and joy.
Both events were a massive success. Attendees viewed the completed murals and public artwork, met several of the individuals depicted in the pieces, and connected with the community members, historians, and cultural partners who brought this vision to life. These gatherings were exactly what we hoped they would be—rooted in memory, local history, and collective pride.
To everyone who showed up, shared a story, or simply stood before a mural and felt something: thank you. You made these celebrations what they were.
The Artists Who Brought It to Life
Three remarkable artists poured their talent and heart into Cultural Layers.
Daniel Esquivia-Zapata
Daniel Esquivia-Zapata is an Afro-Colombian artist whose work delves into historical memory and the politics of remembering. Through life-size figurative drawings, he explored the interconnected narratives of history, identity, and memory—shaped by his experiences as a victim of forced displacement and his Afro-Latino heritage.
Artist Profile
Nora Williams
Nora Williams, a South Carolina native and fine-art documentary artist, captures the complexities of identity, place, and history within Black and LGBTQ communities in the American South. Her work, featured in publications like The New York Times and Rolling Stone, highlights resilience and social change through underrepresented narratives.
Artist Profile
Malcolm Vanhannegeyn
Malcolm Vanhannegeyn, a South Carolina native and CEO of Perspective Cinema, brought his passion for visual storytelling to Cultural Layers. With a background in cinematography and collaborations with brands like Toyota and ESPN, Malcolm's work reflects a commitment to excellence and a drive to inspire.
Artist Profile
A Community Effort
"For us, public art is more than just what you see; it's about creating connections. Through Cultural Layers and the incredible talents of Daniel, Nora, and Malcolm, we hope to create a lasting impact that honors the lives, spaces, and histories that shape our city."
— Maya Smith, Project Director
Thank You to Our Partners
Cultural Layers would not have been possible without the generosity and dedication of our partners and sponsors. We are deeply grateful to:
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Knight Foundation
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Central Carolina Community Foundation
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Richland County Library
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A'ja Wilson Foundation
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Center for Civil Rights History and Research at the University of South Carolina
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Columbia SC 63
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Ward One Organization
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Friends of African American Art & Culture
Together, we honored the lives, spaces, and histories that shape Columbia. Thank you for helping us tell these stories.
Stay Connected
Have questions about the Cultural Layers project or want to learn more about our public art initiatives?
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