A Program for Art in Empty Store Windows
OVERVIEW: Gulf Alliance for Local Arts (GALA) is creating the opportunity for local artists and business people to collaborate to beautify empty storefronts and make them more rentable/sellable. This project will transform empty storefronts into art galleries.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS: In addition to bringing together local artists and property owners, GALA will work with organizations in the community that share mutual goals. Working with the Port St. Joe Downtown Redevelopment Agency and the Gulf County Economic Development Council, will enable us to improve the appearance of storefronts and increase curb appeal of the entire Downtown Port St. Joe area.
HOW IT WORKS: The storeowner makes the window space available for display of local art. Electricity is desired for lighting the display in the evenings but not required. Solar lighting will be provided by GALA if no electricity is available.
The storeowner agrees to give GALA and displaying Artist limited access to their property.
The artists and/or GALA will provide a backdrop to conceal the remainder of the empty store. The artist, with the aid of GALA and a professional window displays and visual merchandising, will set up and maintain the artwork and display. The artist will be allowed to have contact information displayed for those wanting to purchase or obtain more information. GALA will promote the displays through its marketing efforts, to include, when feasible, a walking tour guide of the art displays.
The artist and the storeowner are both able to set the length of time that the artwork and/or the windows are to be used. At any time either party may decide to withdraw from this mutual arrangement. However, it is the expectation that the typical display period would be about 3 months.
STORE OWNER BENEFITS: The curb appeal of the property for sale or lease is increased. The downtown area doesn’t seem so empty thus creating a feel of a more prosperous place to have a business. GALA will also create a sign/plaque for each display that states ‘Gulf Alliance for Local Arts (GALA) sincerely thanks STORE OWNER for generously donating this space to the GALA Window Gallery Tour’ to show the storeowner’s support of our community and the Arts.
ARTIST BENEFITS: Local Artists are able to display their work on a heavily traveled street. Each piece of art will have a standardized card, created by GALA stating a description of the piece, price, artist’s name and where to purchase.
COMMUNITY BENEFITS: Downtown is beautified. The Window Gallery Tour is advertised by GALA to bring more traffic to the downtown area. Art will be rotated on a regular basis to increase interest and encourage multiple viewings by potential customers for the property owners, artists and adjoining merchants.