COLORADO SPRINGS — There's no arguing that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed a massive portion of our daily lives.
In the midst of these changes, many local businesses and organizations are finding ways to overcome and adapt to keep their doors open, while at the same time, help those around them.
Similarly those hit hard are reporting a tremendous outpouring of support from the community.
This outpouring reminding all of us that while this global epidemic has changed so much, it HASN'T changed people's desire for community.
This is We're Open Colorado, a segment dedicated to highlighting local businesses and organizations that are still open or are reopening and finding unique ways to serve the community.
With all of this in mind, let's take a look at the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs, which early on in the current crisis, made the call to continue forward with this year's Art on the Streets installations. The program has been running for more than 20 years and it was decided that the Springs could use an extra dose of positivity and hope amidst all of the swirling negativity brought on by COVID-19.
"We just couldn't imagine, with everything else that's going on, not giving people that thing that they so look forward to," commented Claire Swinford, director of urban engagement for the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs.
This year, Art on the Streets is bringing 12 new pieces of art, from sculptures to murals, to downtown Colorado Springs. The process started during mid-May and will continue over the next few weeks.
"I think art shows that there's life occurring," stated Jolt, a graffiti artist in charge of creating a mural on the YMCA situated downtown, and I think those little moments where you see people out living [and] creating and building for a new tomorrow is a promise and a hope that carries a lot of weight."
Each exhibit is placed in a public space and can be viewed while maintaining safe physical distances from other individuals; that being said, the hope is that the art will draw our community together in a social way.
"Art is a great convener, because we can all look at a beautiful piece and we can all feel something about it and look at each other and see that we're experiencing this in our own way and that is so powerful, especially when we're having to remain apart," finished Claire.
Each piece of art also comes with an app driven audio tour narrated by either the artist responsible or someone close to the artist.
These audio tours can be accessed via the OTOCAST application.
For more information regarding Art on the Streets, you can visit the website for the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs.
If you know of a business that is working to find innovative ways to keep operating while also working to help the community, email us at news@koaa.com.
