CREATE. PROTECT. ACTIVATE.
The Franklinton Arts District is proud to announce the creation of the new Public Art Fund. The Public Art Fund is designed to create, protect, and activate public art that transforms the landscape of Franklinton and brightens the lives of those living, working, and visiting the neighborhood.
As Columbus' Creative Hub, the Franklinton Arts District is home to murals, sculptures, and experiences that celebrate the history of the neighborhood, District, and the community who have made it what it is today. These publicly accessible art attract thousands of visitors every year thus supporting the artists and businesses who thrive here.
70% of Americans say they experience the arts in a “non-arts” venue such as a park, hospital, shopping mall, or airport.In 2022 alone, Franklinton Arts District has added 4 permanent murals to the Franklinton landscape while paying artists more than $20,000. Moreover, we continue to develop the next generation of muralists through our ARtsway Summer Tech Mural Mentorship and YEA! (Young Emerging Artists) program at Scrawl 16.
Through public art, FAD has established and strengthened partnerships with community non-profits, arts organizations, local businesses, and those looking to invest in the neighborhood. As a way to engage residents and visitors while uplifting artists, FAD partnered with Greater Columbus Arts Council and Kaufman Development to create the Franklinton Arts District Public Art Tour featuring 29 works of art created by acclaimed artists, from Franklinton and around the world. To elevate the experience and provide insight, 16 pieces are accompanied with an audio file of the artist discussing the piece of artwork.
69% percent of the population believe the arts “lift me up beyond everyday experiences."While the creation and activation of public art is vital, it is nothing without efforts to protect the message of the artist. In the summer of 2022, 'Stolen Joy', a Black Lives Matter memorial to 45 Black and brown Americans whose lives were ended by the police at The Vanderelli Room, was vandalized by white supremacists. In response, the community at large rallied support of the gallery, artist, and the families affected by the malicious act to restore the piece. We sought to ensure nothing like this would ever happen to this again by sealing the piece with an anti-graffiti coating. With support to the Public Art Fund, we would be able to continue we these efforts for public art across the District and neighborhood.
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