Public Art Programs Score Big Downtown During March Madness
By Emily Barnwell
Downtown Wichita was “bouncing” in March! As the city held the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, Downtown Wichita hit the streets for “Bouncing through Downtown: Art & Basketball” (“Bouncing through Downtown”). The initiative transformed three vacant downtown storefronts into basketball-inspired art displays. Here’s a recap of the “Bouncing through Downtown” community participation:
- 3 artists/groups reimagined vacant downtown storefronts and turned them into vibrant art displays incorporating recycled basketballs.
- 150 people joined Downtown Wichita and the “Bouncing through Downtown” artists for the You Be the Artist Activity during the city’s Fan Fest in Naftzger Park on March 21. The participants created their own Kansas sunflowers and keychains out of recycled basketballs. The hands-on activity brought art and sports together in a unique way, showcasing how creativity can transform our shared spaces.
- 24 people took part in a public walking tour on March 21, getting an in-depth look at the “Bouncing through Downtown” art installations. Starting at 509 E. Douglas Ave., the tour provided a behind-the-scenes perspective from each artist on the inspiration, design and impact of this initiative.
- 35 people completed the Downtown Wichita Action Plan survey during a pop-up community engagement booth at Fan Fest, adding to the growing list of voices shaping Wichita’s future.
