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The First Wednesday Art Walk is celebrating 10 years of art and culture on Wednesday, November 6. Celebrate with Downtown Vision, Inc. at a Laura St. block party, located adjacent to Hemming Plaza, with an Art Walk retrospective, announcements for the years to come, special performances, an art unveiling, raffle and more, culminating in a champagne toast to say “Cheers to 10 years!” Retrospective and announcements begin at 6:15 pm. Enjoy participatory art installations, live music and artwork in Hemming Plaza and throughout the Downtown galleries, restaurants, cultural venues and businesses.
“Starting with just eight venues and a couple hundred participants in 2003, Art Walk has grown over the past decade to become Downtown’s signature monthly event,” said Katherine Hardwick, marketing director for Downtown Vision, Inc. “The Cheers to 10 Years celebration is our chance to celebrate with the community that has grown Art Walk into a premier platform for local artists as well as an economic engine for Downtown.”
The public is invited to participate in Downtown Vision, Inc’s, community funding campaign and be a part of Art Walk’s legacy by donating to help sustain and improve Art Walk for years to come. Donate online at downtownjacksonville.org or at Downtown Vision, Inc.’s tent at Art Walk.
For more information on participating venues, visit jacksonvilleartwalk.com.
Art Walk through the Years
2003 Downtown Vision, Inc., launches the first Art Walk in November 2003 in Downtown Jacksonville with eight venues along Laura Street.
2004 Within the first year, Art Walk grows to attract more than 1,000 people to Downtown each month.
2005 Art Walk expands to include themes and special features. Partnership with the Florida Theatre sees the launch of the first “Pet Walk” at Art Walk, an annual event that continues today.
2006 Art Walk grows to include more than 30 venues. Art Walk results in the formation of a full-time artists group, The Art Center, locating in the Carling.
2008 Grows to attract more than 3,000 people Downtown each month. 2009 Art Walk launches partnership with Eco Latino for “Hispanic Heritage Art Walk.”
2010 Art Walk leads to a partnership with the Cultural Council to form “Off the Grid” an initiative that infused Downtown with 50,000 square feet of galleries and artist spaces.
2011 Attracts more than 6,000 people Downtown each month and permitted more than 400 artists for Headquarters at Hemming Plaza. The Hayden Burns library closes its doors as an Art Walk venue.
2012 Art Walk celebrates its 100th event. Art Walk introduces food trucks. An average of 18 venues host live music each Art Walk.
2013 Downtown Vision, Inc., launches iloveartwalk.com and hosted the inaugural Oktoberfest at Art Walk bringing 15,000 people Downtown.
