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� s � Downtown South Bend Window Galleries Proposal Background Downtowns across the Mid -west are employing creative tactics in the face of the negative effects of darkened storefronts. Currently, there are two vacant spaces in the Redevelopment Commission owned Michigan Street Shops center —121 and 123 S. Michigan. One approachthat The Chicago Loop Alliance and Downtown Evanstonhave successfully employed to enliven the streetscape and highlight available spaces has been to transform the windows of empty storefronts into temporary "Window Galleries" displaying the work of local artists. We (DTSB staff and board members) believe that downtown South Bend is a perfect candidate for a similar program. Over the past several years, Downtown South Bend Inc. (DTSB) has successfully grown Art Beat as a signature event in downtown attracting regional attention, bringing thousands of visitors, and strengthening the image of downtown as an arts destination. The Downtown South Bend Window Galleries program proposes to leverage the positive energy of ArtBeat and further enhance the brand of downtown as a cultural hub. Project Goals 1. To enhance the image of Downtown South Bend as an Arts and Cultural District 2. To highlight and draw attention to available spaces in a positive manner 3. To enhance the pedestrian experience for visitors to downtown 4. To highlight local artistic talent The Process • DTSB willinvite local artists /arts organizations to set up a temporary art installationin the window space of empty redevelopment commission - owned storefronts (namely 121 and 123 S. Michigan), for a period not to exceed 90 -days. There is also potential to bring the former State Cafe space into the program. Selected artists /organizations will agree to vacate the space within two weeks if notified in writing that a renter has been found for the space prior to the end of the 90 -day period. • In order to maximize synergy with Art Beat (August 27, 2011), we propose that the program take place during the months of July, August, and 11 Nicholl -Smith