Golden Triangle Transforms Downtown Fire Call Boxes into Public Art
Release Date: Saturday, April 25th 2009
Golden Triangle Transforms Downtown Fire Call Boxes into Public Art
Official Unveiling Held Friday April 25 at 11:00am
Washington, D.C. [April 22, 2008] – Nine historic fire call boxes in downtown’s Golden Triangle area, seemingly past their useful life, have been made over into vibrant works of public art. These works of art will be unveiled on Friday, April 25, at 11:00am at the newly-renovated building at 2101 L Street.
“Transforming call boxes of a bygone era into something fresh and creative is a great way to celebrate the vitality of our neighborhood,” said Leona Agouridis, Executive Director of the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District. “Having art installed in the midst of a busy business district makes for a more stimulating downtown experience and we’re glad to see the Golden Triangle call boxes put to good use.”
Four artists were chosen to have works inspired by the Golden Triangle neighborhood installed in the call boxes. Each box showcases a different iconic element of the area, be it a bustling scene of K Street, the exciting post-work nightlife, a striking image of the White House, or Metro’s role in connecting people to the area. All four artists will attend the unveiling of their work on Friday, witnessing their art in these call boxes for the first time.
“Art on Call creates opportunities for both local artists to showcase their work and for communities to bring quality art into the public realm,” said Anthony Gittens, Director of DC Arts Commission. “Programs like this visually enhance our city’s streetscape and contribute to building a strong arts culture in DC.”
This project is part of Art on Call, a program of Cultural Tourism DC in partnership with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DC Arts Commission), the District Department of Transportation, and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.
“Art on Call is a city-wide effort to reinvent DC’s call boxes,” said Linda Harper, Executive Director of Cultural Tourism DC. “It blends the city’s historic emergency call box system with today’s arts community, and we hope to see it extended to many more neighborhoods across the city.”
Representatives from area businesses, art galleries, and properties will be at the unveiling as well as Kathryn Clement, Chair of the Golden Triangle’s Capital Committee; Linda Harper, Executive Director of Cultural Tourism DC; Anne Ashmore-Hudson, Chair of DC Arts Commission; and Michael McBride, Manager of WMATA’s Art in Transit program.
ABOUT CULTURAL TOURISM DC
Cultural Tourism DC (CTdc) strengthens the image and economy of Washington, DC, neighborhood by neighborhood, by linking more than 200 DC cultural and neighborhood organizations with partners in tourism, hospitality, government, and business. Visit www.culturaltourismdc.org or call 202.661.7581.
ABOUT DC COMMISSION ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES
DCCAH provides grants, programs and education activities that encourage diverse artistic expressions and learning opportunities in the District of Columbia. It also promotes excellence in the arts by initiating and supporting programs, activities, and policies that inspire, nurture, and reflect the multi-ethnic character and cultural diversity of the District.
ABOUT THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE BID
The Golden Triangle BID is a private organization that works to enhance DC’s Central Business District from the White House to Dupont Circle and 16th Street, NW to 21st Street, NW. The BID’s primary focus is to provide a clean, safe and friendly environment within its 42 blocks of public space for area workers and visitors.
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