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Take a walk along the streets of
Birmingham and it is evident the
revitalization of downtown is well
underway, contagious even.
In barely a decade, city blocks
that were empty are filled with
restaurants, shops and thriving
businesses. Streets once barren
after the workday are now bustling
with patrons at night.
But how has downtown made
such a transformation in such a
short time? It's involved a lot of
work and passion by residents,
business owners, nonprofits and
civic organizations – and Artwalk
has been one of the strongest
advocates.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary
Sept. 9-10, Artwalk is a free,
treasured weekend event whose
presence has made a lasting impact
on the city's revitalization.
In 2002, Naked Art Gallery
owner Veronique Vanblaere and
others, along with organizations
like Operation New Birmingham
(now REV Birmingham), set out to
create something to bring people
downtown and bring support to
the art community. They chose
a district on the north side for
its studios, lofts and abandoned
spaces that could showcase art and
Art event keys downtown
Birmingham revitalization
THE ARTS
BY ALLISON WESTLAKE
Photos by Arik Sokol
Dancers on Morris Avenue are part of the free entertainment.
Artwalk celebrates 15th year with two-day festival in Birmingham.
