San Jose Redevelopment Agency Recommends Events Program
to Activate Public Spaces Downtown
San José, CA --- Today the San Jose Redevelopment Agency
(SJRA) announced that it will recommend a comprehensive program to activate
public spaces in Downtown San Jose to the Agency Board on Tuesday, June
25. If approved, the SJRA will contract with the San Jose Downtown Association
to coordinate a team of six event programmers for a variety of events
throughout the City's Center.
Public space programming, a core element of the SJRA's Greater Downtown
Development Strategy, will increase the vitality of public spaces by providing
entertainment venues appealing to a variety of audiences. The events will
be spread throughout the days of the week, year-round, and will highlight
key Downtown parks and paseos.
"These events are a major step in bringing together our Downtown
community," Councilmember Cindy Chavez said. "The programming
will connect Downtown businesses, employees, residents, and visitors,
and help the core of our city become a friendlier, more intimate place."
The event programmers-collectively identified as Populus Presents-developed
and will run nine program events which include outdoor cinema, free evening
concerts on Post Street, and a Saturday art market. These elements will
be coordinated with Downtown retailers, restaurants, residents, existing
arts groups and City departments, including the Office of Cultural Affairs.
"Downtown businesses and the Populus team are anxious to see the
creativity and color these programs bring to our Downtown streets, sidewalks,
and plazas," said Scott Knies, Executive Director of the San Jose
Downtown Association. "
The SJRA funding for the public space programming is $479,150 and is
divided into a $300,000 programming budget (costs of putting on events
associated with marketing, management, etc.) and a $179,150 capital budget
(purchase of additional café furniture, movie projectors, etc.).
The public space program is considered a long-term tool of revitalization
because it includes mechanisms for becoming self-funding and expanding
beyond the initial program elements.
"Expanding Downtown's cultural scene is a key component of our strategy
plan for the City," said Susan Shick, SJRA Executive Director. "These
unique events will connect Downtown's strongest assets and enhance San
Jose's identity as a Bay Area destination."
One such mechanism is a program element entitled the Public Space Catalyst,
which will consist of outreach coordinators serving as a resource to the
community. These outreach along with members of the programming team,
will work out of the Catalyst Office, to be located at 500 South First
Street. The Catalyst Office will serve individuals and groups interested
in being a part of the public space program, or staging their own events.
The San Jose Redevelopment Agency is dedicated to improving the quality
of life for all who live and work in San José. Governed by the
City Council, the SJRA facilitates and oversees comprehensive programs
for development to revitalize the City's Downtown, neighborhoods, and
industrial areas.
Included in the public space programming are the following events:
Art Market: Three Saturday Art Markets held in the SJ Repertory
Plaza will create a venue for local artists and performers to sell their
works and services and to bring people together in a vibrant, interactive
outdoor activity.
Contact: Two Fish Design Group
Outdoor Cinema: Free movies will be screened al fresco in San
Pedro Square and the Circle of Palms. Films will be shown mid-week and
weekends from July to December for a total of 12 screenings.
Contact: Giant Creative Services
SoFA Bazaar: South First Street, between San Carlos and San Salvador
Streets, will be transformed into a promenade on Fridays from 5:30 to
9:30 p.m., highlighting the neighborhood's eclectic character. The SoFA
Bazaar is a retail-oriented street fair designed to encourage employees
to stay Downtown after work and attract new visitors.
Contact: Filco.Events
Lunch Vox: Lunch Vox will bring weekly mid-day entertainment to
Fountain Alley every Monday, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., April to December.
Traditional street-busking activity will include musicians, jugglers,
mimes, caricature artists and magicians. Seating will be available for
the public to enjoy their lunch outdoors in the heart of Downtown's Historic
District.
Contact: Filco.Events
Phantom Galleries: Work from local artists and community groups
will be installed into and onto storefront windows throughout the core,
enhancing Downtown's pedestrian experience year-round.
Contact: Two Fish Design Group
Public Space Catalyst: Designed to facilitate the use of public
space, Catalyst will serve as one-stop shop for individuals and arts and
cultural organizations wanting to bring public programs to the Downtown
and its surrounding neighborhoods. The Catalyst will outreach and educate
novice event organizers. The program will also provide organizations and
individuals with performance opportunities, guidance through the permitting
process and discounted equipment rental.
Contact: Giant Creative Services
Music After Dark: Nine Thursday evening concerts will be presented
on Post St., between Market and First Streets, beginning at 8 p.m. By
primarily featuring music genres such as jazz, blues and ethnic music,
these free concerts will provide a relaxing end to a downtown summer night
following the popular Music in the Park shows.
Contact: Labadie Productions
Positive Skate Experience: Transforming San Carlos Street near
San Jose State University four Saturdays in the Fall, PSE includes demonstrations
by top local and national professional skateboarders, a free clinic for
event attendees and performances throughout the day by local bands and
DJs.
Contact: Prime Time Entertainment
Euro Café: The Circle of Palms will become an outdoor café
with tables, umbrellas and seating, and visits from the Lunch Vox street
performers daily from mid-July through December.
Contact: Giant Creative Services
Winter Wonderland: Winter Wonderland showcases classic amusement
rides, holiday lighting and snow machines. The program will run pre-Thanksgiving
through New Year's Day around Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, in conjunction
with Christmas in the Park and Downtown Ice.
Contact: Giant Creative Services
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