BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The city is willing to spend up to $40,000 on public art in our downtown area. The goal, to create a more photo worthy destination point. On Tuesday, Executive Director of the Buffalo Arts Commission Emerson Barr sent out the city's project proposal.
The city is calling for artists who have made public art displays before. The artist must submit a resume, examples of past work, and fill out a two-paged entry form. The proposed art work can be a piece that already exists, or a concept. And, the winning artist will have his or her work displayed on Chippewa Street, Franklin Street, or Court Street.
David Hoerich, co-founder of Oxford Pennant believes bringing art to downtown will create more business for the restaurants and bars there.
"These murals have a spill over effect," he said. "[people will say] 'well I'm in this neighborhood, what else is there to do, which can be an awesome impact on business."
Jay Manno, owner of SoHo Buffalo and Frankie Primo's says downtown already gets a lot of foot traffic from events, but art will make the area even more popular.
"All these people who are coming and staying in hotels, now have a reason to come out to the strip on a Tuesday night," he said.
Proposals are due by Feb 12, at 5 p.m. EST. For more information on how to apply, click here.
