Advocating for Public Art in the Midtown Greenway
The Midtown Greenway embodies an unusual opportunity for artistic expression. A stretch of land 5.5 miles long cutting through diverse neighborhoods that vary socio-economically, racially, ethnically, culturally and demographically—the Greenway is an opportunity for Public Art that is diverse in its content, medium, longevity and functionality thereby creating distinct places along the corridor, yet a unified and beautiful Greenway journey.
The Midtown Greenway Coalition believes Public Art in the Greenway provides an essential role in increasing community awareness and involvement with the corridor; increasing value for adjacent property development; and in articulating the history, meaning and local character of the Greenway as a Minneapolis resource. To that end, it is envisioned that the Greenway will play host to temporary artwork, performance art and permanent artwork.
Temporary Artwork - generally, lower cost projects that are placed on a temporary basis in the corridor. To date this has been the most used form of public art along the Greenway. Temporary artwork has ranged from chalk art, banners, posters and seasonal art that breaks down with time; the Straw Ballerina in Vera’s Garden during the 2007 summer is an example of such art.
Performance Art - the Greenway offers a fabulous location for varying occasions, events andcorresponding performance art.
Permanent Art - A long term goal of the Midtown Greenway Coalition is to acquire and commission permanent artworks to enhance the journey along the corridor. These artworks will range from sculptures, murals, mosaics to functional art such as artist designed benches and water fountains.
The Greenway is also a unique forum to display art where travelers go more slowly than by car and travel without the distraction of traffic. Art in the Greenway is a way of bringing various cultures together, bringing out the positive aspect of inner city life. When this Public Art is thoughtfully conceived, executed and integrated, it is an investment in the corridor’s sense of place.
|
