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    Program to Bring Unique Public Art to the University District

    The University District Organization is soliciting proposals for a wide-ranging public art program, one that organizers hope will shine a spotlight on the rich cultural life of the neighborhood.

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    Matt Hansen of the UDO explained that the five “tactical art projects” are designed to be experimental – the ideas that are the most well-received could be expanded or converted into longer-term installations. Recommendations for such installations will be a part of an Arts and Character plan currently being developed by the organization.

    “The projects are varied so it gives us an opportunity to see what resonates with the community in a fun and engaging way,” said Hansen.

    The program recently received a boost when it was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Create Columbus Commission. Here are the five projects, with descriptions from the UDO website;

    • Art from Nature – Create an art piece for placement in Iuka Park that integrates with the landscape.
    • Music Trail T-shirt Design – Create an artistically-designed T-Shirt that can be distributed to promote the thriving music scene of the University District. The design may also be used as part of a window display on area music venues.
    • Neighborhood 100 – Create 100 small objects to be distributed for display to residents and businesses throughout the University District.
    • Short Literary Pieces – Several writers and poets and other literary-focused individuals will be commissioned to create two short pieces that can be displayed throughout the neighborhood.
    • Youth Inspired Weinland Park Art – In coordination with a summer youth program at the Godman Guild Association, a workshop will encourage participating youth to visualize public art opportunities in their surroundings. The UDO will seek qualifications from individuals or teams for the creation of an art piece inspired by the youth workshop.

    Ideas for the projects were generated from a series of public workshops held in the neighborhood.

    “For the ‘Art from Nature’ project we heard that people really like the idea of hidden art that can be found while exploring the area,” said Hansen. “Also, the University District’s ravines and other natural features are something that has been repeated as a great community asset…combining the two into a project was just a great opportunity.”

    One concept for the Short Literary Pieces project calls for inscribing the words on an area sidewalk that sits next to a garden – the work would be invisible when dry, appearing only during a rain shower or after being “watered” by passersby.

    The deadline for submitting applications for the projects in August 26th. More information can be found at www.universitydistrict.org.

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    Brent Warren
    Brent Warrenhttps://columbusunderground.com/author/brent-warren
    Brent Warren is a staff reporter for Columbus Underground covering urban development, transportation, city planning, neighborhoods, and other related topics. He grew up in Grandview Heights, lives in the University District and studied City and Regional Planning at OSU.
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