by Fiona Bond, Executive Director, Creative Waco
T
he “wow factor” that great art brings to public spaces is a visible, obvious quality of life win; but it turns out that there are multiple, measurable ways that cultural arts experiences make humans more happy, connected, successful, and hopeful…and Waco is increasingly getting support and recognition for this.
and Hemisphere Aerospace sponsored “Greenhouse” arts business development program, recipients of our emergency relief for individuals and businesses whose revenue was decimated due to COVID emergency measures, and/or participants in our various community arts programs during the pandemic.
People across our community were breathing a (premature, as it turned out) sigh of relief in April 2021. Finally, it seemed, the pandemic might be subsiding enough to permit carefully planned public events. Creative Waco took the plunge, and announced “Wacotown Chalk + Walk”, an opportunity to view Austin Avenue resplendent with 55 temporary artworks made from professional grade chalk paint (it’s “a thing”) on pavement and walls, sponsored by local businesses, accompanied by over 100 creative vendors selling food, art and fashion. It provided a much-needed boost for creative businesses that rely on festivals and events for their income, but more importantly, it was a joyful reminder of how much “In Real Life” (IRL) experiences have a kind of magic that is almost impossible to fully replicate in the virtual realm. The event attracted over 12,000 people. Seventy five percent of vendors exceeded their weekend’s sales goals by lunchtime on the first day, and the event delivered an estimated economic impact of $2 million. We knew on a very granular level how important these wins were, as over 60 of those artists and vendors were direct beneficiaries of our TFNB
Beyond those economic wins, the sense of joy, connection, and shared exuberance that weekend was palpable, and was remarked on across the board by artists, vendors and visitors in conversation, and in their evaluations…perhaps because these kinds of experiences had been so visibly and painfully missing.
38 | SPRING 2022
The Chalk Festival became a powerful catalyst for further experimental programming. City Center Waco partnered with Creative Waco, Waco Civic Theatre, Waco Community Choir, The Hispanic Chamber, school districts and others to activate the pedestrianized 7th street plaza now festooned with chalk murals, and a magnet for visitors. Over the Summer and Fall, this has become a safe outdoor space to present musical theatre, gospel music, salsa dance nights, open mic opportunities, pop-up markets, and much more. In a season that has been characterized by separation, division, anxiety, uncertainty and fear; shared creative experiences can offer a powerful antidote that makes us more resilient as individuals and as a community. Visual art, music, theatre, dance, film, festivals and cultural
