Is it time for an Art Walk makeover?

[tufsu1]

instead of complaining about the survey, get involved and make ArtWalk better!

[Spence]

instead of complaining about the survey, get involved and make ArtWalk better!

no complaints.

If you read my post, you may notice I am hoping to brainstorm with a large group, and assist with sponsorship and funding in order to enhance the event and entire experience from all angles inward.

 

[tufsu1]

^ wasn't really referring to you

[ssky]

It's sad to see how Art Walk has declined. The first time I attended was in 2006. Back then, I lived in Jacksonville Beach and, while I had formerly worked Downtown, I never spent time any down time there; nobody did at the time. So, it was a foreign and intoxicating experience to roam the somewhat foreign streets, and the vibe was so way cool. In 2007, I moved into The Carling Apartments, and was delighted to find Art Walk beginning literally right outside my own front door. My friends and I had pre-Art Walk parties at either The Carling or 11 E, and we never missed a single First Wednesday.  It was a priority. We loved it. Even as the events of the evening wound to a close, I could hear the strains of the "I Love Lucy"  theme song being played on a saxophone beneath my window. It was very unique and special. I was in love with the entire "urban pioneer" experience. Unfortunately, over the years, the cool factor wore off. Art Walk, like Downtown Jacksonville itself, lost its mystique. I, like many of my friends, found myself purposely avoiding it at almost any cost. I am not really sure what happened. I only know that I miss the Downtown Jacksonville of 2007-2009. I have since moved far away, but on the rare occasions that I do get to visit my favorite places there--Chamblain's Book Mine, La Cena Ristorante, and Magnificat Cafe--I wonder what on Earth happened to the enchantment that once encircled The Urban Core. It seems a shame to have let such a beautiful flame die out.

[TheCat]

Tufsu, I think you are referring to me. Don't miss the greater point I'm making in the midst of the hilarity of my statements regarding the survey.

My point, in case you missed it, DVI is idiotic.

They're asking meaningless and obvious questions. Hence, my brilliant example of what a Jaguars user survey would look like if DVI created it.

Your solution: Stop complaining and get out there and do something. Good option, right?

DVI called the police on me 4 separate times because I/we were street performing and that was not allowed. All street performance art is banned including the drum circles and the belly dancers and the other random articulations of art that DVI has deemed inoperable with their event.

They would rather have a Ford set up in Hemming Plaza with an announcer blaring contests times on loud speakers then allowing people to freely engage with others. And, that makes sense. They're operating from a gimmicky/Survy Monkey mentality. They don't believe in our core or our people enough to think that we can independently and organically create and develop amazing things.

FYI, DVI did not have the right to stop us and it was a little fun watching the cops struggle on how to handle our street art. I fought a bit. Even refused them a few times. They would invariably come back and I would pack up out of respect for them and trepidation that there was some kind of weird legal technicality that would allow them to press charges. DVI, seeing people engage with us and like what we were doing would still send cops to shut us down.

I felt like I was dealing with impetuous snooty high schoolers. I tried to have reasoned conversations and those would devolve into weird temper tantrums. 

So, when I read things like DVI has decided to keep “art as part of the art walk.” Or, that they finally think food trucks are cool (kind of). I don’t have the mind to think they're making progress. The culture of DVI needs to be challenged to go deeper and to be smarter but that’s not their role. I don't think they can do it. They've proven that they are not leaders but reluctant and obsructive followers.

[John P]

So, when I read things like DVI has decided to keep “art as part of the art walk.” Or, that they finally think food trucks are cool (kind of). I don’t have the mind to think they're making progress. The culture of DVI needs to be challenged to go deeper and to be smarter but that’s not their role. I don't think they can do it. They've proven that they are not leaders but reluctant and obsructive followers.

I think executive director needs to go.  Things usually start at the top.

[tufsu1]

that's for the DVI board to decide