AgdaPkt 2007-11-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.1C 1, PROJECT BACKGROUND AND ov~5, continued arrange for murals on construction fronts, host artist vendor opportunities (Street Mrkt, Farmers Market, Winter Wonderland, etc), notify artists of cans for entries and exhibit opportunities in resta- raunts, offices, etc., and most recently, a temporary gallery called KALEID. KALEID uses an empty retail space for 64 local artists to exhibit and sell their work with normal gallery hours. FUNDING: The funding was provided by the San Jose Redevelopment Agency as a result of a request for propos- al process to enliven our dowtowns public spaces. POPULUS Presents, an umbrella entity comprised of the San Jose Downtown Association, and 4 independent event producers, submitted to the SJRA numerous events that would answer their quest to find creative ways to program these public spaces in the downtown core, The idea of placing artwork in empty storefronts at first did not seem to fit their logistical idea of "public space", but we contended that passing these empty storefronts on a daily basis is dishearten- ing and with phantom Galleries we could create an exciting experience that changes frequently with a relatively small budget. Phantom Galleries received $45,000 for 12 months of Phantom Galleries programming. Line items include: Producers fees, materials and supplies, marketing, technical support, city fees and services, subcontractors and SJDA administrative fees. This funding allows for us to dedicate time and resources to cultivate new artists, coordinate installations, provide a clean workable environment & materials for the artist and to promote the artists and the program as a whole. IMPACT: The comments and surveys from the public indicate a resounding success. The residents and wQrking community often say "downtown feels like one big art gallery," and it has become a destination for those that live here as well as those that are entertaining visiting guests. The artists are pleased with the exhibit opportunities, as well as a feeling of activism in their city. We have sold numerous works of art for the artists as a direct result of their Phantom exhibits. They have become ambassadors for change and see the city agencies and proprietors as partners, not overseers to the fate of their downtown. Artists have also benefited by way of employment through their involvement. One artist was hired by the San Jose Museum of Art as a result of his week long "site specific" installation. He now works in their outsourcing program providing art projects to youth at schools and community centers, There are also many artists that have received commission work due to their Phantom Galleries exposure. Surrounding businesses appreciate the ever changing landscape of where they work each day and have begun sprucing up their windows to fit in with the flow of one exhibit to the next. There is a tangible change in attitudes and efforts being made to get involved and take responsibility to create a livable, exciting, world class downtown. There is a renewed interest in t.he primary role art and performance plays in the long term st.rat.egy