The Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and Open Space Art Gallery owner Amanda Weygand wants to help vacant downtown buildings get rented through art. The downtown public art program allows building owners to have to use art to create a more vibrant downtown while helping bring attention to empty storefronts. Owners could pick between having a mural painted on a storefront or having artwork created by local artists shown in the storefront. They could also have pop-up events like an exhibition for local artist to show their work or a market for artists to sell their work. Weygand says the Downtown Public Art Program is not a new idea, but she’s seen what the program does in other cities.
She also says although the program is centered in downtown Ottawa, it could grow to any place in the city if there is interest.
Building owners interested in the program can contact Weygand at openspaceartgallery@gmail.com or the Ottawa Chamber at 815-433-0084.