If you haven’t already heard, Artspace is a nonprofit organization based out of Minneapolis with a goal is to provide affordable live/work space for artists. They started in the 70s with a single project in Minneapolis and have grown into 30 projects either completed or under construction today. They came to Columbus last summer at the beckoning of the GCAC, did a bit of research on some potential sites, and released a feasibility study in August.
Personally, I’m really hoping they’re able to move forward with a project in Columbus, preferably at the Trautman Building (one of the proposed sites in their study). Downtown could use some affordable artist live/work space to bring in some creative capital and spur some of the economic development that has benefited the Short North Arts District over the past 25 years so well.
Anyway, today Artspace is launching an online artist survey that you can participate in at www.ColumbusArtspace.org. There will also be a kickoff event held at the Urban Art Space downtown (in the former Lazarus building) from 7pm to 8:30pm. I encourage anyone interested in helping to shape the future of the local arts community to stop by and speak their mind on this project.
Your opinions are being requested!