RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – July 21, 2026: Diamond District Partners (DDP) today announced the selection of Richmond artist Mickael Broth to create the signature sculpture for the Diamond District. Broth was selected by the Diamond District Signature Sculpture Artist Selection Panel following a request for qualifications process that attracted submissions from 15 artists across the country.

The signature sculpture will be located at the intersection of two new roads – Encore Avenue and Diamond View Drive—and will anchor the northern end of the new public green space planned for the Diamond District. The signature sculpture will serve as a landmark for the new community and a focal point within the public gathering space. Located east of CarMax Park, the green space will also feature an event lawn and an all-ages play area.

Broth, a Richmond-based muralist and sculptor, created his first sculpture commission for the Hull Street Branch of the Richmond Public Library and has since created numerous sculptures including The Hole Truth, located in front of the Valentine Museum.

Broth comments, “As a Richmond resident for the past twenty-five years, and someone who lives within a short walk of the Diamond District, I’m deeply invested in seeing our city thrive. This is an incredible opportunity for a new corner of our community to be built from the ground up, and I’ll do my best to create a fun and welcoming work of public art that serves as landmark within the Diamond District and region at large.”

Broth was selected by a panel of city officials, arts leaders, and community members who guided the artist selection process. The panel was co-led by Monica Kinsey, the City of Richmond’s Public Art Secretary, and Sir James Thornhill, Richmond-based artist and Diamond District Public Art Director.

“I like the fact that Mickael’s interested in community engagement. He also has a history with this site because he helped with the RVA Street Art Festival that brought murals to the Diamond. It’s great to bring his artistic vision to this transformative project,” said Sir James Thornhill, Diamond District Public Art Director.

Now that Broth has been selected, he will work with the Diamond District team and the greater community to develop the signature sculpture.

“The panel wanted an artist who would create interactive and fun art. Mickael Borth’s energy and body of work made him the obvious choice for this commission,” said Maritza Pechin, Director of Development for Thalhimer Realty Partners and a member of the Artist Selection Panel. “DDP is thankful to the panel for providing their expertise as we discussed the submissions. We are looking forward to working with Mickael to develop an engaging and memorable sculpture for our new community.”

Located along Diamond View Drive, the new greenspace will be across from the new office building, anchored by Richmond law firm Hirschler, and to the east of the baseball stadium. The greenspace will feature an informal event lawn, an all-ages playground, and a signature sculpture by Richmond artist Mickael Broth. (Credit: Diamond District Partners, Waterstreet Studios)