Steven and William Ladd’s National Scrollathon

For the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Kennedy Center presents the National Scrollathon, a collaborative, large-scale visual art installation led by artists Steven and William Ladd. Over the past two years, the Ladd brothers have engaged 250,000 participants from all 50 states, five territories, Washington, D.C., and Native Community Regional Centers to create 56 large-scale artworks made from fabric scrolls, each inscribed with a personal story. These individual scrolls are assembled into a wooden frame to form a multidimensional manifestation of American national unity. The final artwork will be displayed from May 29 through June 29, 2026, on the Kennedy Center North Plaza. The project builds on the Ladds' successful Scrollathon during the 2019 REACH Opening Festival and continues their community engagement program, inviting people from all walks of life to share their hopes and dreams through hands-on art-making. A special opportunity to meet Steven and William Ladd in person takes place on Saturday, May 30, from 2 to 6 p.m. on the North Plaza.

When: May 29–June 29, 2026.
Showtimes: The installation is on view daily, with the Kennedy Center’s general exhibit hours of 10 a.m. to midnight.
Meet the Artists: Steven and William Ladd will be present on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 2 to 6 p.m. on the North Plaza.
Price: Not specified; the Kennedy Center’s exhibits are listed as free admission, and there is no ticket information for this installation.
Lineup: Steven and William Ladd, Scrollathon founders, artists, and brothers.
Run time: The installation is on display for the full duration; no specific run time is given for the artwork itself.
Ages: Not specified, but the project is designed for broad community participation and is suitable for all ages.
Venue: Kennedy Center, North Plaza (outdoor).
Note: The National Scrollathon incorporates fabric scrolls made by participants, which are later combined into a single large artwork, and the participants’ portraits are also included in a photo mural and souvenir brochure. The artists’ process emphasizes shared stories and memories, using found materials and techniques to create highly textural, vibrant art.