VACANT2VIBRANT

a project in economic recovery through creative re-use

3Rivers Arts will launch Vacant2Vibrant, temporary, creative re-use of vacant storefronts and buildings in high-pedestrian areas throughout the region with pop-up galleries, concerts, theatrical performances, open mic nights, creative classes and other projects showcasing local artists per space. 

We see this is a solution to the number of vacant retail and commercial spaces that burden Main Streets across the region, while providing struggling artists with opportunities to exhibit, perform and sell their work with opportunities to have their own temporary space, AND bringing more foot traffic to the downtown benefitting the local Main Street businesses. 

We will team up with business and property owners, real estate brokers, local municipalities, community groups, economic development organizations, local artists and artist cooperatives to transform vacant commercial and retail properties which will result in: better marketability of vacant real estate through arts programming, exhibits and installations; increased access for artists to work or exhibit art in high pedestrian areas throughout the region, a first of its kind regional approach toward promoting the creative people, groups and opportunities in the region; and enhanced cooperation between local artists, municipalities, and property owners.

POP-UP IDEAS

• Arts installations and galleries
• Retail for handmade products, or creative upcycled and recycled artistic wares, urban gardens in outdoor vacant space
• Film screenings
• Artist studios in non-storefront properties
• Poetry and live music events