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October 7, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Cynthia Wentworth
Phone: (316) 264-6005
Email: cynthia@greaterwichitapartnership.org
IDA Presents Downtown Achievement Awards Recognizing Excellence in Urban Place Management
Wichita, Kan. – The International Downtown Association recognized Downtown Wichita with the Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for its resourceful approaches related to the enhanced Gallery Alley project. A jury of peer professionals reviewed, deliberated and evaluated all entries in the 2022 Downtown Achievement Awards. The Award of Excellence acknowledges an excellent response to an urban place management challenge, demonstrating application of industry knowledge and exceeds the jury criteria.
Gallery Alley was among 21 qualified entries in the category of Public Space Management and Operations which IDA identifies as one of the seven professional urban place management practice areas. This category features unique organizational approaches and projects in the areas of clean, safe and hospitality, placemaking and activation and facilities management.
“We are so proud of this collaborative project. Gallery Alley is a great example of what can happen when you involve artists in the creation of inclusive public spaces,” shared Downtown Wichita’s Director of Creative Engagement & Placemaking Emily Brookover. “This placemaking initiative contributes to the identity, character and culture of downtown so we are honored to receive this award.”
Gallery Alley reopened as a destination for inter-sensory art experiences. Downtown Wichita partnered with Envision, The Knight Foundation, Wichita Community Foundation, Bokeh Development and Stoppel Investments, LLC to create an inclusive outdoor space where all community members, especially those with low to no vision, could enjoy and experience public art.
The space now features sculptures created by local artists and a new ground mural. Descriptions of the artwork are available on-site through braille and voice recordings as well as online at https://downtownwichita.org/discover/placemaking/gallery-alley/overview
“Downtown Wichita has demonstrated skillful application of urban place management principles with the Gallery Alley project,” said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. “The Gallery Alley project should serve as a framework to all member communities within IDA.”
Washington, DC-based IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Downtown Wichita is the urban place management organization representing the interests of property owners in downtown Wichita, Kansas.
About IDA
The International Downtown Association is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Our members are city builders and downtown champions who bring urban centers to life, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. We represent an industry of more than 2,500 place management organizations, employing 100,000 people throughout North America and growing rapidly around the world. Founded in 1954, IDA is a resource center for ideas and innovative best practices in urban place management. For more information, visit downtown.org.
About Downtown Wichita
Downtown Wichita is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that amplifies the energy, capital and growth of downtown by empowering residents, visitors and businesses to explore the possibilities of our city’s core. Downtown Wichita is an affiliate of the Greater Wichita Partnership. Learn more at downtownwichita.org.
IDA Media Contact:
Allison Shashok
Vice President of Membership, Marketing & Operations
International Downtown Association
(202) 798-5926
allison@downtown.org