Downtown Dayton is set to transform its urban landscape with the exciting Storefront Activation initiative—a creative public art project that coincides with the NATO Assembly in May and commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords. This groundbreaking program, spearheaded by Culture Works in partnership with the City of Dayton and the Downtown Dayton Partnership, invites local fine and visual artists to reimagine vacant storefronts and urban spaces, turning them into compelling canvases of history, art, and community pride.
Revitalizing Downtown Dayton with Public Art
The Downtown Dayton Storefront Activation program is designed to breathe new life into empty storefronts, construction fences, and vacant windows by transforming them into vibrant displays of art and culture. This initiative celebrates Dayton’s storied past and dynamic arts scene and reinforces the city’s commitment to peace and unity. This message resonates strongly on an international stage during the NATO Assembly.
By embracing this project, Downtown Dayton is setting a new standard in urban revitalization. The installation of creative, large-scale art pieces will enhance the city’s streetscape, attracting visitors, inspiring local residents, and fostering a deeper connection to Dayton’s rich heritage.
A Call for Artistic Vision and Innovation
The program is now calling for submissions from commissioned and published fine or visual artists. This call for proposals is open to a wide range of artistic disciplines, including:
- 2-Dimensional Visual Art: Paintings, illustrations, photography, mixed media, digital art, and other flat works that can be adapted for display in storefronts or as vinyl window coverings.
- 3-Dimensional Art: Sculptures, installations, or freestanding pieces that are lightweight, durable, and safe for display in semi-enclosed spaces.
- Innovative and Interactive Elements: Artworks that incorporate multimedia components such as augmented reality overlays or QR codes linking to audio or video content, provided they can be integrated seamlessly with the installation site.
Artists are encouraged to use weather-resistant, sustainable materials to ensure that the pieces withstand the elements over an extended display period. This commitment to sustainability and durability aligns with Dayton’s forward-thinking approach to public art and urban design.
Celebrating Dayton’s Legacy and Future
The Storefront Activation program is more than an art exhibit—it’s a narrative journey through Dayton’s history and cultural evolution. The installations will:
- Honor the Dayton Peace Accords: Marking 30 years since this pivotal event, the project will reflect on the transformative power of peace and community resilience.
- Showcase Dayton Arts and Culture: By featuring local artists and their creative expressions, the project celebrates the thriving arts scene that defines the spirit of Downtown Dayton.
- Promote City and Downtown Pride: The artworks are expected to enhance civic pride and stimulate economic activity by drawing art enthusiasts, tourists, and community members to downtown spaces.
Timed with the NATO Assembly, these public art installations will serve as a dynamic backdrop, reinforcing Dayton’s global message of unity and creative innovation. The event offers a unique opportunity for the city to shine on an international platform, spotlighting its commitment to cultural enrichment and urban renewal.
Submission Guidelines for Interested Artists
Artists interested in contributing to this landmark project must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years or older, reside or work within 30 miles of Dayton, and have a record of commissioned or published work.
- Submission Requirements: All entries must include high-resolution images or renderings of the proposed artwork, a brief artist’s statement connecting the work to the themes of Dayton’s rich history, arts, peace, and community pride, and detailed measurements and installation requirements.
- Design Considerations: Artworks should be designed with flexible dimensions in mind to suit various display areas—whether storefront windows, fences, or designated urban spaces. Consideration for lighting and interactive elements is highly encouraged.
- Content Restrictions: Submissions must steer clear of political or hate messages, nudity, negative insinuations, or overt self-promotion. Only artworks that reflect positive, non-political themes aligned with Dayton’s values will be considered.
All submissions will be reviewed by a Selection Committee comprising representatives from Culture Works, the City of Dayton, Downtown Dayton Partnership, Dayton Peace Museum, and other esteemed community leaders. This committee is dedicated to selecting candidates based solely on artistic merit, ensuring a fair and anonymous review process.
Compensation and Artist Involvement
Selected artists will receive compensation ranging from $500 to $1,000. In addition to the financial reward, artists will have the opportunity to:
- Participate in the Construction and Promotion: Work alongside community partners to bring their artistic vision to life and engage in the promotional activities surrounding the event.
- Gain Exposure: Showcase their work to a broad audience, including international delegates attending the NATO Assembly, enhancing their profile within the art community and beyond.
This is a unique opportunity for local artists to contribute to a high-profile, culturally significant project that reinforces Dayton’s reputation as a hub of innovation and creative expression.
How to Apply
Artists are invited to submit their proposals through the official Downtown Dayton Storefront Activation Application link. For more details, reference materials, and images of previous Storefront activations, please visit the provided links. All inquiries can be directed to Diane Schoeffler-Warren, Culture Works liaison, at [email protected].
Note: The application deadline is February 17, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
Join Us in Celebrating Downtown Dayton’s Creative Future
The Downtown Dayton Storefront Activation is set to be a landmark event, showcasing the power of art to transform urban spaces and bring communities together. Whether you are an artist looking to contribute your unique vision or a community member eager to witness Dayton’s cultural renaissance, this initiative is a must-see.
Experience the fusion of art, history, and community spirit that only Downtown Dayton can offer. Stay tuned for more updates as the city prepares to celebrate peace, creativity, and innovation on an international stage during the upcoming NATO Assembly.