If you avoided downtown during APEC, you missed out on a one-of-a-kind event that was so successful it shocked organizers. The Mid Market Community Benefit District held its 10th art walk on Market Street, between 5th and 8th streets, November 11th and 12th.
The group knew the event would benefit from additional foot traffic created by APEC visitors and ArtSpan’s Open Studios running over the same two days, but they had no idea there would be so much interest from art enthusiasts to visit downtown and support the arts, despite warnings of traffic delays and heightened security as world leaders descended upon the City for the economic forum.
“We had no shortage of businesses, property owners or artists wanting to participate,” said the District’s event lead Marlo Sandler. “And the participating artists saw upwards of 500 people visit their exhibitions each day, far exceeding our expectations.”
The CBD also attributed the success of the event to property owners, who went above and beyond to accommodate artists with complicated installations such as intricate hanging works and site-specific sculptures, The Hibernia hosted art, a DJ, a cash bar and offered free guided tours of the building’s historic architecture. The four major Mid Market theaters also made their lobbies available for live performances, from rock and roll music to drag shows.
Public Works also buttoned up Market Street construction in advance of the event, making sure sidewalks were unobstructed; and attendees reported nary a sign of antisocial behavior along the stretch over both days, with many singing the praises of local law enforcement.
Retail brokers were also invited to join arts patrons as some installations inhabited vacant and available retail spaces. The CBD hopes to hold another event in the new year and recreate the hip, art-focused, Chelsea-like vibe in Mid Market yet again.
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