Artwork by Glas

Brightening Up Downtown

In December 2020 / January 2021, Do, Web Exclusive by Olivia GwynLeave a Comment

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WEB EXCLUSIVE The Downtown Raleigh Alliance has partnered with VAE, a cultural arts community center, to commission 19 local artists to transform storefronts and plazas all across downtown into light-based art installations (14 of the installations are temporary pieces and 5 are existing). Illuminate Art Walk will run nightly from December 11, 2020 through January 8, 2021.

The eye-catching glowing art installatoins revolve around themes of movement, hope, love and life after the pandemic. The DRA and VAE chose artists with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences, including three female artists, four Black and/or Latinx artists, and four artists who identify as queer, to create pieces for the project.

Artwork by Katie Stewart

Illuminate Art Walk offers a safe, festive way to enjoy downtown during the holiday season while supporting local artists and businesses. Dine at your favorite restaurant or grab a hot beverage along the way before enjoying the beautiful art instillations on a crisp December night downtown. Remember to adhere to public health guidelines, wear a mask and social distance yourself from others.

This tour is self-guided with a map online and sidewalk markers at each installation to help you navigate. Additionally, complimentary parking is available through Secure Parking; use code “ILLUMINATE” at checkout on the Secure Your Spot app available on Apple and Google Play. For more information on the artists and their installations, visit downtownraleigh.org/illuminate.

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