Rondell Crier, visual artist, helping to place banners on Animate MLK Arts Space
Jazzanooga, in partnership with River City Company and MLK Merchants Association, is hosting a Pop Up Arts space located in the former UTC Community Partnership Center at 401 MLK Blvd.
The goal of this project is twofold: first, to engage more people in the work being done to revitalize MLK Boulevard; and secondly, to celebrate the cultural and artistic history of the district as well as those who are contributing to the creative vibrancy of the neighborhood.
The MLK community reflects over 100 years of African American history and commerce in Chattanooga. Since 1994, the community has been listed on the National Register as an area of great historical significance. Once known as the “Big Nine,” MLK Boulevard (formerly Ninth Street) is the only remaining cohesive area historically associated with Chattanooga’s African American history.
“How can a vacant space be used to best strengthen the local culture," was the question that Shane Morrow, Jazzanooga’s director, asked himself as he began exploring the ways to use the former UTC Community Partnership Center at 401 MLK Blvd. The resulting answer, the Animate MLK Pop Up Arts Space, which creates opportunities for the local creative communities to share their talents in an accessible space which benefits the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.
“Showcasing local artists while utilizing a currently vacant space to draw a diverse group of locals together is a fantastic idea and opportunity for our community,” said Kim White, River City Company president and CEO. “We are excited to see all that’s about to happen on MLK Boulevard and thankful for the businesses and organizations already doing great work there. Pop-up events and cultural performances are definitely a great catalyst for long term activity and commerce.”
The pop up space will feature the works of the following diverse and emerging visual artists: Anier Fernandez, Devon Kronenberg, Hollie Berry Elizondo, James McKissic, Jequise Beverley, Josiah Golson, Josué F. Carrillo, Mercedes Llanos, Rondell Crier and Tiffany Woodard.
Animate MLK Creative Space will have its official community celebration on Saturday from 3–8 p.m. The day will be an opportunity to drop by see the artwork and listen to some of the city’s musicians and performers. Performing that day are: the Power Players, Eclectic Movement Dance Company, Kindora, Stratton Tingle, DJ J Star, DJ Durty and hosted by media/radio personality, Eric Foster Williams. Local MLK vendors will also be present to promote their businesses.
Jazzanooga, started in 2011 as a one-day community festival and has grown become a cultural arts and education nonprofit that offers year-round programming and a month-long celebration that promotes Chattanooga's music heritage. For more information, visit www.jazzanooga.org. Follow Jazzanooga on Facebook and Twitter @Jazzanooga.
James McKissic helping to place banners on Animate MLK Arts Space