News
May 29, 2015Interactive Frame Exhibit Opening in Downtown
ALBANY, NY… The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) announces that the 2015 public exhibit #captureALB, featuring 10 life-sized photo frames throughout Downtown, will launch on June 12, 2015. Historically, over 10,000 visitors each year share in the success of the Downtown Albany BID’s public outdoor exhibit; this year the frames, approximately three feet by three feet, will act as a catalyst of interaction between employees, residents, visitors and the Downtown District.
#captureALB also marks the rebranding of Sculpture in the Streets to underscore the exhibit’s focus on placemaking. By capitalizing on Downtown’s assets, the objective is to encourage the reimagination of public spaces as the heart of the District. As the name suggests, the focus of the exhibit asks the public to capture what they admire about our Capital City.
By utilizing the frames, the concept is to inspire individuals to fall in love with Albany’s urban environment by sharing their perspective and stories portraying family, friends, and Downtown moments in an interesting way across social media platforms. The public is encouraged to join the community conversation by using #captureALB when posting their photos on social media platforms.
“With so much to love about downtown Albany, #captureALB is centered around the idea that each employee, resident, and visitor should capture and share the time they enjoy in our District. By doing so, their affection for Downtown will be a catalyst for others to picture themselves here,” says Georgette Steffens, executive director of the Downtown Albany BID. “Summer 2015 brings new residential units and businesses coming online, and progress on the Renaissance by Marriot and Albany Capital Center. This exhibit will highlight the history of Downtown in addition to its bright future.”
The photo frame locations are: Academy Park (Eagle and Elk streets), top of State Street (corner of Eagle and State streets), Coliseum Mall (153 S Pearl Street), Hudson River Walkway (Broadway and Pine Street), Jim DiNapoli Park (Broadway and Maiden Lane), Palace Theatre (N Pearl and Clinton Avenue), SUNY Plaza (Broadway and State Street), Times Union Center (51 S Pearl Street), Tricentennial Park (Broadway and Columbia Street), and Wellington Row (132 State Street).
A map of the exhibit will be available at businesses throughout Downtown and online at downtownalbany.org.
The frames are scheduled to be installed on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 in preparation for the Downtown Garden Party. If you are interested in covering the installation, contact Rebecca Haizmann, Downtown Albany BID communications coordinator, at rhaizmann@downtownalbany.org | 518.465.2143 x10.
During the exhibit’s official launch at the Downtown Garden Party on June 12, 2015 at 5:30 PM at Federal Park Plaza, Owen Smith, producing artistic director of Park Playhouse and managing director of the Palace Theatre, will be awarded the BID’s 2015 Norman S. Rice Arts, Culture, and Education Award. As cuts to art education programs occur in schools across the country, the annual award recognizes individuals in Albany who have demonstrated significant accomplishment in exposing the arts to a public audience; under Smith’s direction, children and teens in the Capital Region have seen an increase in options to participate in, or view, plays year-round or during the summer at both organizations in which he has a role.
Smith, who as a teen was a student of Park Playhouse, has worked for the past five years to grow the organization from which he benefited. Since 2013, when Park Playhouse and the Palace Theatre developed a partnership, both institutions have seen their arts education programming evolve. The Palace Theatre’s Arts in Education Programming is being produced by Park Playhouse, which Smith says enhances the local arts community, and Park Playhouse has increased their arts education programming from one summertime program to four programs, two of which run year-round.
“I am honored to receive this award which recognizes not just me, but the entire team of people with whom I work, and our continued efforts to grow the footprint and educational offerings of both Park Playhouse and the Palace Theatre,” says Smith. “The arts create good citizens and can help even the shiest child flourish, and it has been an honor to have a hand in the growth of programming that has impacted the lives of so many youths.”
The #captureALB exhibit is funded through sponsorship from Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, A.R. Wynnykiw, D.D.S, P.L.L.C, Capitalize Albany Corporation, Columbia Development Companies, Gordon Companies, Hilton Albany, KeyBank, NAI Platform, Palace Theatre, Stewart’s Shops, and The Swyer Companies.
From international corporations, regional giants and locally owned proprietors, downtown Albany is more than business as usual. Accented by the powerful currents of the Hudson River to the motivating forces in the State Capitol, downtown Albany stands in good company with some of the greatest names in business today. Over 250 companies call downtown Albany home and signs like IBM, Microsoft and Windstream are seen throughout our historic streets. Since 1996, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) has worked to restore, promote and maintain the character and vitality and improve the quality of life and overall image of Downtown for those who work in, live in and visit the Capital City of the most famous state in the world. The Downtown Albany BID is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information about the Downtown Albany BID please visit downtownalbany.org | @AlbanyBID or call 518.465.2143.
