STOREFRONT SPRINGFIELD: “Let Your Light Shine”

The Springfield Business Improvement District (SBID) and Springfield Cultural Partnership Incorporated (SCP) proudly announce the launch of the 2024 Vacant Storefront Place-Making Initiative. This groundbreaking project aims to breathe new life into the heart of our community by transforming vacant properties and commercial spaces into vibrant hubs of creativity, commerce, and community engagement.

At the core of this initiative is the concept of placemaking, a collaborative urban planning approach that seeks to create spaces that foster community interaction, cultural expression, and economic vitality. Through strategic activation of underutilized spaces, we aim not only to beautify our downtown area but also to catalyze economic growth and enhance the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

By participating in this program, property owners and brokers have the opportunity to showcase the potential of their spaces while contributing to the greater good of our community and key players in revitalizing our downtown landscape. Funded through the MassDevelopment One-Stop Place-Making Grant, this initiative relies on matching funds to bring our vision to life. 

One of the most exciting aspects of this initiative is the opportunity it presents for local artists to showcase their talent and creativity. Artists selected for inclusion in the Storefront Springfield project include Mary Thonneson, Frankie Borrero, Jael Brothers, Jankaleishka Burgos Cruz, Jen Delgado, Kaleighia Green, Kyle Lusty, Lauren Hartmann, Malaika Ross, Marc Austin, Mariela Chavez, Petr Ellis, Sam Scrivner, Samantha Savoie and Whitney Weldon. We are currently raising funds to add more locations and more artists. These artists' works are being installed in vacant storefront windows, adding a touch of beauty and inspiration to our downtown landscape.

The theme for this year's initiative is "Let Your Light Shine," reflecting our collective desire to illuminate the potential of our community and create a brighter future for all. Through the support of the MassDevelopment Commonwealth Places Grant and other public and private fundraising initiatives, we are confident that we can make this vision a reality.

We invite you to join us in this exciting journey towards a more vibrant and prosperous downtown Springfield. Your support is not only an investment in our community's future but also a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity in driving positive change.

For more information on how you can get involved or contribute to the initiative, please visit https://springfieldculture.org/storefront-springfield-let-your-light-shine/ or contact the SBID or SCP.

Together, let's transform our vacant spaces into beacons of hope, creativity, and opportunity for generations to come.

ABOUT: The project is being funded through a combination of a MassDevelopment Commonwealth Places Grant and other public and private fundraising initiative “matching funds” raised by SBID & SCP.

Storefront Springfield is a two-year art project to transform vacant storefront windows in the Springfield Central Cultural District and Springfield Business Improvement District into vibrant public spaces with creative placemaking art installations created by local artists. Storefront Springfield will include art that reflects community values, voices of diverse audiences and a positive sense of space.

All installations also provide information leasing information for the vacant storefronts via QR codes.

Goals include implementing a partnership-focused and public-facing community-driven arts and culture projects resulting in an impactful economic development initiative focused on real estate intervention, community development, and community engagement.

• Use art to attract and connect people.
• Improve physical access by improving pedestrian and public safety.
• Spur public space and retail projects
• Encourage tourism throughout the city.
• Be a testament to the power of creativity and civic engagement in our vibrant, livable city.
• Be a catalyst and model for inclusive urban design that connects people through shared experiences of community in public art.

WHY: Empty storefront arts projects have proven to generate increased foot traffic and transformative impacts. Project partners are committed to utilizing the arts when creating and sustaining a vibrant environment that proactively welcomes artists to participate in city revitalization with community responsive artwork and leverage the power of the arts to catalyze change.