Artist-brothers Steven and William Ladd are preparing to install "National Scrollathon," a monumental participatory artwork at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. The project, which they call "America's cultural project," features 10,000 scrolls created by participants from all 50 US states, five territories, and the District of Columbia. Each scroll, made from fabric trimmings and inscribed with personal messages or symbols, will be displayed on freestanding pillars labeled by state, alongside photos of the participants. The brothers have been collaborating for over 25 years and are known for their intricate, craft-based work.
The project matters because it aims to foster unity and understanding during deeply divisive times in the United States. By gathering diverse groups—from former inmates at Rikers Island to students in Brooklyn—the Ladds demonstrate that Americans can connect through shared storytelling and creative expression. The work also highlights the power of craft and community engagement in contemporary art, challenging traditional hierarchies that once dismissed "beauty" and "craft" as lesser artistic pursuits. Its permanent installation at the Kennedy Center, timed around the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, underscores art's role in national dialogue and healing.