Artist-based revitalization news

1. Another story, this from AP, about Paducah, Kentucky's neighborhood revitalization program centered upon artists. See "Artists revive a town." Note that the technique is merely a process that is replicable. It doesn't have to be artists. It's "merely" a focused resident attraction program (like Live Baltimore) where the organizers link interested residents to the programs and support that they will need to make the property rehabilitation and occupation a smashing success.

2. The Storefront Artist Program in Pittsfield, Massachusetts is very interesting. It actively supported the development of "phantom galleries," spaces for artists, in retail spaces that weren't renting. The cost of utilities were borne by the artists, but they didn't have to pay rent.

This has helped spur Pittsfield's revitalization and spaces, at least on the ground floors, are drying up, plus the City has stepped in, and is providing other spaces for artists to exhibit. Artists have been relocating to upper stories as a result.

So the project is changing its focus, according to this article from the Berkshire Eagle, "Splash of change downtown: Art project will switch gears — and leaders too."

3. Not too far away, in North Adams, is the example of a college-run art gallery on the Main Street, Gallery 51, operated by the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.


Index Keywords: arts-culture