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Bluebag Media
UC ‘Arts
Destination’ kicks of with successful festival
UNION CITY, IN – His message to kids… “You can truly make a difference
in your lives if you believe you can make a difference.” That thought,
tied to the goal of revitalizing Union City, led UC Indiana Mayor Bryan
Conklin to begin a five-year journey that culminated in the Union City
Arts Festival Oct. 10-12.
“When I was a kid,” Conklin said, “Union City had an employment base
for 25,000 workers. They came here to work. We will never have those
days again… what do we have to do? We have to reinvent ourselves.”
The focus? Arts and youth. So Conklin sent an email to Ball State
University. He asked if they would be interested in participating in a
program where students could live free and work 20 hours a week… in
return they would have to commit to 20 hours a week working on a
project or activity of their own. He sent the email three years ago,
adding however this had been on his mind for nearly five years.
The big question from Conklin’s perspective was “how can you attract
youth back into your community?” At the same time, revitalization was
also part of the equation. Conklin noted he had 20 properties available
to business owners and entrepreneurs wanting to make an investment in
Union City. His message to business? “Join the movement. Be willing to
make an investment and we’ll talk incentives.”
Conklin said he didn’t hear from Ball State for over a year; when he
did they indicated an interest. According Union City Arts Depot
Director, Vicki Vardaman, Ball State actually got involved last spring.
Their spring arts students planned the festival to the last detail.
Their fall students, with the help of Union City businesses and
volunteers, put the plan into action.
“It went better than expected (for a first time out),” Conklin said.
“No problems or blips of any kind. We’re estimating about 1,200
attended over the three days.” He noted this was partially based on one
vendor selling over 700 meals in one day. The event, which lasted from
6 p.m. Friday to about 4 p.m. Sunday, involved over 50 activities and
entertainers, plus vendors, plus BSU student offerings.
“Right now nothing is happening in those vacant buildings. Students can
do whatever… activity breeds activity.” What started over the festival
weekend can continue as students begin to move into the newly renovated
apartments and start work. He noted there are four apartments; at last
count he’d been told there have been 75 to 100 applicants for the
program.
He pointed to a grassy area that will become known as Artisan Crossing.
It sits between the back entrance of the student apartments and the
Arts Depot. “Two months ago, this was barren, rocky ground,” he said.
Future plans include a walkway through the park between the two areas…
Read the rest of the article with photos at Bluebag Media
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