Who doesn’t love the buzz that comes with Light Up Night? Cue Project Pop Up: Downtown, an initiative set to bring new business, art and visitors to the city. Think Light Up Night, but year-round.
Set to launch this winter,
Project Pop Up will use the creative talents of individuals, groups of artists, nonprofit organizations and businesses to activate unused storefronts in 18 properties downtown.
Applicants are encouraged to “go big” with their ideas, whether involving display art, performances, lighting, a combination of these or something else entirely. With Project Pop Up, innovation and activity are key.
It’s based in part on successful projects in San Francisco, Seattle and New York City, but goes further. Pittsburgh’s hybrid model combines the work of artists and entrepreneurs. Businesses are encouraged to participate.
The program adds to recent momentum downtown and builds upon the revitalization of Market Square and PNC Bank’s investment in new properties.
Project Pop Up could result in new leases and permanent tenants, says Jeremy Waldrup, CEO of the PDP.
“Our ultimate goal is to show that downtown is a viable market for retail and active users,” he says. “Showing these spaces that remain vacant in a new light is hopefully going to encourage more pop-ups and folks who have thought about expanding to downtown.”
Project leaders anticipate that the success of the downtown pilot will encourage similar initiatives in Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
Proposals are due September 13. Interested parties, particularly those looking for collaborators, are encouraged to attend a mixer on September 1 at Sonoma Grill downtown from 5-7 p.m.
Writer: Lindsay Derda
Source: Jeremy Waldrup, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, and Marissa Doyle, Office of the Mayor