Community leaders and members of GoRockford gathered behind the Rockford Public Library on August 27, 2025, to celebrate a major expansion of the city's public art initiative. The event marked the unveiling of the new location for the iconic Rockford letters and the announcement of 18 new sculptures being installed throughout the city as part of the CRE8IV program.
The CRE8IV program represents a transformational sculpture initiative that has grown significantly since its inception in Rockford. Originally launched in 2015 with just nine sculptures, the program has now expanded to display over 33 sculptures across the greater Rockford area. This latest addition of 18 new pieces demonstrates the city's continued commitment to establishing itself as an arts-forward community.
"As we looked at expanding the program this year, it was really a key priority for us, taking direction from our Thrive 2035 master plan," said GoRockford President John Groh. "Rockford is a creative community, and a thriving community." The expansion aligns with the city's long-term vision for growth and cultural development outlined in their comprehensive master plan.
The new sculptures will be strategically placed in eight key locations throughout Rockford to maximize public visibility and accessibility. These locations include West State Street, Downtown, Harrison Avenue, Broadway, 7th Street, the North End, Perryville Road, and South Main Street. The diverse placement ensures that residents and visitors across different neighborhoods will have opportunities to engage with the public art installations.
"We couldn't be more thrilled to see the CRE8IV sculpture program continue to grow," said Kristen Paul, GoRockford's executive vice president, in a press release. "It's incredibly rewarding when people recognize Rockford as an arts-forward city." The program's expansion reflects broader efforts to enhance Rockford's cultural landscape and attract both residents and tourists to the area.
The relocation of the Rockford letters to their new home behind the public library represents another significant milestone in the city's efforts to enhance its public spaces. Combined with the sculpture installations, these initiatives demonstrate Rockford's commitment to using public art as a tool for community development and cultural identity. The CRE8IV program continues to serve as a model for how mid-sized cities can leverage art to transform their urban landscape and foster community pride.
