<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html charset=utf-8"></head><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space;" class=""><p class="">The Downtown Akron Partnership Emerging Leaders, through the MyAkron
committee, seeks submissions for 10 individual art designs– each
honoring one of Akron's unique wards– to be printed on high quality
vinyl wraps. These wraps will be installed on utility boxes throughout
Downtown Akron as part of the #AkronArtBox Project.</p><p class="">The
committee will accept project proposals from Feb. 1 - March 4. The
committee and the selected artists will help raise awareness and funds
for the project through an online crowdfunding campaign and events
designed to help people engage with the project. Artists will be paid a
stipend of $100. All money raised will be used to support the completion
of the project.</p><p class="">Artwork on utility boxes is a concept that has
been utilized in other cities to create an enlivened, safe, inclusive
and inspired environment. By commissioning neighborhood-inspired public
art projects, a vibrant downtown is created that is representative of
the citizens of the community and serves as a gateway to the city.</p><p class="">In
an effort to enhance Downtown Akron as an attractive and desirable
place to live, work and visit, several projects have been successfully
designed and implemented to clean up and beautify the area. These
projects have taken place alongside a series of initiatives focused on
increasing civic participation within Akron's diverse neighborhoods. The
utility box project builds upon this momentum, bringing together
residents from all areas of the city to collaborate on a project that
builds value for the arts community and strengthens civic pride. This
relatively small-scale project is a simple way to make Akron more
vibrant and livable.</p><p class="">"Last year's #LovetheWall was a tremendous success," said 2016 Committee Chair Benjamin Rexroad.
"But it only involved one artist. This year, we wanted to do something
that would give more Akronites a chance to participate. In choosing our
artists, we want to make sure to extend this opportunity to artists of
all abilities and backgrounds, highlighting the diverse range of talent
within our city. By focusing on Akron's neighborhoods - through honoring
our 10 wards- we are drawing the connection between the neighborhoods
and downtown and between people who, maybe, never have the chance to
come together."</p><p class="">#AkronArtBox
is the second project to emerge from the reorganization of MyAkron,
which began in 2012 as an initiative to micro-fund smaller projects.</p><p class="">Pete Nischt,
DAP Emerging Leaders president, said the new model is "designed to
allow everyday citizens the chance to take part in making one
transformational change downtown each year."</p><p class="">The <a href="http://www.downtownakron.com/_files/docs/dap-art-box-project-rfp.pdf" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://www.downtownakron.com/_files/docs/dap-art-box-project-rfp.pdf" class="">RFP</a> can be downloaded at: <a href="http://www.downtownakron.com/myakron" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://www.downtownakron.com/myakron" class="">www.downtownakron.com/myakron</a>. Artists can contact Benjamin Rexroad, committee chair, at <a href="mailto:benjamin@artsnow.org" target="_blank" data-mce-href="mailto:benjamin@artsnow.org" class="">benjamin@artsnow.org</a> for more information.</p><p class=""><span style="text-decoration: underline;" data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" class=""><strong class="">About Downtown Akron Partnership Emerging Leaders</strong></span></p><p class="">The
Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) Emerging Leaders was established in
2010 to assist in attracting and retaining young professionals and
enhancing DAP's mission of building and promoting a vibrant, valuable
Downtown. The Emerging Leaders includes members 35 years of age and
younger from a variety of organizations.</p><p class=""><span style="text-decoration: underline;" data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" class=""><strong class="">About Downtown Akron Partnership</strong></span></p><p class="">The
mission of Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) is to promote and build a
vibrant and valuable downtown. DAP is a non-profit organization
dedicated to bringing people, activity, business and a thriving civic
life to the heart of Akron. Through strategic marketing, clean and safe
programs and management of downtown's resources, DAP works to promote
downtown as a gathering place in the center of our community.</p><p class="">DAP's
members include property owners, business leaders and government
officials who want to improve the image of downtown as a safe,
convenient location for business, working professionals and families.
DAP is governed by a board of trustees as diverse as the interests of
our city. DAP is supported by the John S. and James L. Knight
Foundation, Akron Community Foundation and GAR Foundation.</p>
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