Recently, Fuller featured an article about the Brehm Center and Fuller Alumni transforming vacant storefronts into art galleries featuring the art of local artists and artists at Fuller. I personally thought this was a great idea, allowing us to redeem our community through art (which I am always an advocate for). But this article got me to thinking: How often is this done in cities that have a significant amount of storefronts that need this “beautiful redemption?” I think of this particularly in terms of our urban communities and know that they too are in a desperate need of the transformation described in the article;
“By turning the area’s empty properties into temporary art exhibits, what could be seen as a blight on the district instead have become pockets of beauty and culture.”
Now, I am not saying that this isn’t being done (or that this hasn’t been the case in the past), but I wanted to get opinions on how art can or has impacted a culture/community just by being present. I also wanted to know if this or other projects were being done elsewhere, allowing art to transform communities. I believe that McCreary was right when she stated:
“Having art in vacant spaces is a win for all parties. It improves the appearance of the city, it gives exposure to the artists and, hopefully, generates awareness for the property owners.”
Could this be successful (if it isn’t already) on a massive scale in Urban communities and other places that don’t have the privilege to have “Arts Districts?” From a theological standpoint; how could this fulfill our commission to be a presence in our community or to even spread the Gospel through art?
Please, share your thoughts…