Our Proposal

In these shifting economic times, businesses unable to weather the hardships are closing all over town. Storefronts are emptying and for sale and rent signs are going up as window displays go down. Empty windows are more than a sign of difficult times, statistics show that they can also be an invitation to crime.

 We are local designers, artists, window stylists and urban planners and we have an idea that we believe will change our city—including improving your ability to do business.  But it won’t work without your help. 

"Traipse Pass" is based on the concept that if a window is full – with an art installation, or a local fashion designer’s display – then morale will improve, community will grow and spaces will become more appealing to potential renters. We are interested in creating window displays promoting LOCAL artists, designers, models, stylists, photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists and window dressers in locations all over the city.  

 While it is new to Portland, this idea has already taken root all over the world. For example, on South Street in Philadelphia, property owners are turning over vacant storefronts to artists, hoping the creative community will again breathe new life into a neighborhood it brought back from the brink in the 1970s.  “We never imagined we'd have so many takers for the spaces," said Stephen Giannascoli, an agent for one of South Street's property owners. "People are very excited about this." See http://www.morungexpress.com/features/16323.html

 

In the town of Stroud, England, local councilors have found a way to make use of the empty spaces left behind by closing businesses, while attracting people to their main street  "Derelict shop windows are being used by artists to display their work in return for them giving the shop front a makeover, making it more appealing to tenants." See http://uk.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=99890&feedType=videos&feedName=Business&videoChannel=5

 

As in Philadelphia and Stroud, this is an opportunity for downtown Portland.  We have the power to maintain our city’s unique commitment and promotion of all things local, build community and maintain the beauty of our beloved public spaces.

 If you are a property manager or building  owner, and would like to find out how to participate, Please email us! traipsepass@gmail.com