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A collaboration between Dubuque Initiatives, Key City Creative Center, and Dubuque Main Street is bringing new life to a commercial section of Central Avenue. Through the end of October, the 1700 and 1800 blocks of Central Avenue, otherwise known as the Central Curve, will have creations and innovations of local artists and entrepreneurs staged in previously empty storefronts.
This effort is a result of Dubuque Initiatives approaching Key City Creative Center in July with an idea to kick-start Central Avenue revitalization with immediate, tangible impact. Dubbed “Staging Storefronts”, works with nine local entrepreneurs and artists from Key City Creative Center, a makerspace and studio located at 1781 White Street in downtown Dubuque.
In collaboration with building owners, storefronts were spruced up by washing windows, painting exterior trim when necessary, and cleaning up the front ten to fifteen feet of the space to make room for displays of goods and services by participating artists and makers. As the properties are not open regular hours, contact information for each artist is incorporated into the display so that shoppers can connect with them directly to make purchases or get more information. Participating properties also have a Key City Creative Center flag flying out front to help draw attention to each display.
“There has been a lot of enthusiasm in seeing the reactions of people who walk by,” says Sandi Beisker, Board Member and Treasurer for Key City Creative Center. “Business owners can visualize these properties as potential sites for their businesses while giving the makers and artists from Key City Creative Center an audience for their products.”
The Staging Storefronts initiative will culminate in a community event on Friday, October 6, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Those involved in the project will be at their respective storefronts during the event to discuss their products or business. There also will be live music, and area restaurants and businesses will be open to customers. A short walk away, Voices Studios also will be hosting its monthly First Friday art show.
Key City Creative Center was founded in 2016 by Tim Hitzler and received non-profit designation in 2017. The facility offers a wood shop, metal shop, and craft area. It’s 70 members have 24/7 access to all Key City Creative Center’s tools and space, as well as the opportunity to rent private studio space. There are over 40 studios at Key City Creative Center which are used by local painters, sculptors, woodworkers, entrepreneurs, and craftspeople. More information about joining or scheduling a tour of Key City Creative Center is available online or by contacting keycitycreativecenterboard@gmail.com.
For more information about Dubuque Initiatives, contact Dave Lyons, Strategic Initiatives Consultant at davel@greaterdubuque.org or 563-557-9049.
Your support can be great here.