Economic and Sustainable Development: Pop-up Art Exhibitions Featuring Emerging BIPOC Artists

THE CHALLENGE

Bloomington has a long history of attracting artists from around the world while also fostering a culture of creativity here at home. Artists of color have historically been underrepresented in the mainstream art world, and young emerging artists of color need more opportunities and space to display their work in Bloomington. When Holly Warren, the City’s Assistant Director for the Arts in the Economic and Sustainable Development Department, met a group of artists from One Drop, an Indianapolis-based art collective – the ideas started flooding in. 

What if the City utilized an unused storefront space for One Drop to curate a pop up art exhibition? 

THE IDEA

Holly Warren had been working with colleagues to find empty storefronts willing to host pop-up exhibitions. After passing by the retail space within the recently constructed 4th street garage, Holly thought. “Why couldn’t we use this space already owned by the City/Redevelopment Commission?” After all, it would be no extra cost to the City and take advantage of a space otherwise left unused. Holly reached out to Alyse Tucker Bounds, Hannah Westbrook, Caleb Note, and Kyng Rhodes of One Drop Collective for their support to curate a show focused on emerging local and regional BIPOC artists.

THE COST

One Drop received a modest stipend to help curate the show and transform the space. One Drop also partnered with the City to organize several events throughout the show. Artists who performed during public events were paid and the City covered the costs of food.

THE BENEFITS

The City’s collaboration with One Drop resulted in an exhibit featuring 25 emerging local and regional BIPOC artists, increasing their exposure to the community and empowering future talent and innovation. Artists of diverse backgrounds often bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to their work, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms. Investing in young artists of color can create economic opportunities, contribute to local cultural development, and allow creative individuals to continue pursuing their artistic careers. 

By physically supporting their artistic development, Bloomington is contributing to a vibrant and dynamic arts community. Furthermore, this proof of concept will continue to excite other storefront owners to host pop up shows in their spaces!

Check out this time lapse showing One Drop transform the space!

Metadata

Department(s): Economic and Sustainable Development

Department Point(s) of Contact: Holly Warren

Partner(s): One Drop Collective

Partner Point(s) of Contact: 

Type of Innovation: New Service

Date Implemented: March 2023