WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) announced that “Think Freedom,” a comprehensive public art project based in Sarajevo, will be placed at The Arcade in downtown Dayton during the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session in May. The upcoming installation in Dayton will mark the first time “Think Freedom” has visited the United States.

“The arrival of the ‘Think Freedom’ art installation in Dayton for Dayton 2025 is a powerful symbol of resilience, unity, and the enduring pursuit of freedom,” said Congressman Mike Turner. “As the birthplace of the Dayton Peace Accords, our city holds a special connection to Bosnia and the cause of lasting peace in the Balkans. This remarkable exhibit — visiting the United States for the first time — reminds us that the values of hope, democracy, and freedom must always be defended. As NATO allies gather here, ‘Think Freedom’ serves as both a tribute to the past and an inspiration for a future built on peace and security.”

“I believe that art still has the universal power to inspire, that art can give impulses of hope, imagination, and creativity in order to build freedom and connectivity – simply put, to build a better world,” said Edina Seleskovic, Creator, Think Freedom. “Think Freedom is a unique way of art metamorphosing from an object into a beacon of communication and community. I am honored for the installation that began in Sarajevo, after traveling to 22 cities globally, is now arriving to the United States and in Dayton.”

“Art has the remarkable ability to speak to the human experience on a universal level,” said Lisa Hanson Culture Works President and CEO. “Whether it’s visual arts, music, dance, or literature, the essence of art resonates across cultural boundaries, offering a shared space where people from different backgrounds can find common ground and feel connected to a global community. We have already experienced a rich dialogue with artist Edina Seleskovic. Her willingness to share ideas with local Dayton Region students and artists is inspiring! We can’t wait to experience Think Freedom together, as a community!”

“We are honored to host Think Freedom at the historic Dayton Arcade,” said David Williams, Vice President of Development for Cross Street Partners. “This exhibit embodies resilience, creativity, and the universal pursuit of freedom – values that resonate deeply within our community and the Arcade’s mission as a hub for arts and innovation.”

“Think Freedom” is a multidisciplinary art project that sends a message of freedom and peace from the heart of Sarajevo to the world. It incorporates sculpture, installation, light, text, and new global communication technologies, while connecting the younger generation with the universal power of art. From public art to a platform of creative concepts activated by contemporary art and powered by inventiveness, cooperation, and connectivity, Think Freedom began in Sarajevo through artist’s conversations with young people about what art and freedom mean to our society and how we can keep the peace. This multimedia installation was first presented at the newly rebuilt Sarajevo City Hall in 2015. Since its inception, “Think Freedom” has visited a number of prominent European cities including the Vatican, Brussels, Zagreb, Ljubljana, Banja Luka, Bratislava, Sorrento, and Veszprém.

The “Think Freedom” project offers a unique and impactful way to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords. By combining art, history, and community engagement, we hope to honor the past, celebrate the progress made, and inspire future generations to continue striving for peace and unity. This initiative includes the “Think Freedom” installation in Dayton, as a powerful symbol of hope, freedom, and resilience. Additionally, the project would promote Bosnia and Herzegovina as a country that has sustained peace for 30 years and a country that is today promoting peace globally.

Installation of the “Think Freedom” exhibit begins May 18 and opens to the public May 21. The exhibit is free and open to the public during select times May 21-31 in the Rotunda of the Dayton Arcade at 31 S. Main Street, Dayton, OH. Check the Culture Works website for updated viewing times and activities.

Additionally, local schools and artists in the Miami Valley will work with Edina Seleskovic, the creator of “Think Freedom,” to assist in the art installation by their words and phrases of peace.