Pulse

Franklinton Arts District, Arts Advocates

By Tracy Zollinger Turner

BRYAN BULLOCK PHOTO

With Franklinton in the sights of many looking for the next potential great neighborhood inside of I-270, one group is seeking to tap some of the Near West Side's affordable resources for local artists, as well as hold artistic events that will draw attention to the area.

Formed early this year and currently in the process of incorporating as a non-profit, Franklinton Arts District (FAD) includes both neighborhood residents and individuals interested in creating new urban opportunities for artists.

The organization has already held a handful of "Instant Gallery" events, each one presenting work in a different artistic medium by a variety of local artists from all over town.

Its most recent event in August featured experimental video work by multiple contributors at artist Chris Sherman's live-work studio space, while on September 15, the group will bring together "visual, musical and skateboarding artists" in the neighborhood's Dodge Park.

"The main thing that we're trying to do is to give opportunities to artists in Columbus," said artist and FAD vice president Nikos Rutkowski. So far, that has meant new events and places to show work.

"Our events are open to emerging and experimental artists, whether or not they live in Franklinton," said Elizabeth Gerdeman, an artist who has served on the boards of other non-profits and been in involved in organizing several of FAD's events. "We've found that we can provide opportunities that they may not be able to find in other neighborhoods."

Ultimately, many FAD members want to promote affordable living and studio space for artists in Columbus. And Franklinton's warehouse spaces and low-cost housing could make it the best place to suit those city-wide needs.

"I'd like to see a real arts district," said Rutkowski, noting that the group has brainstormed ideas about public sculpture gardens and renovations in Dodge Park. But the definition of a "real arts district" doesn't include shiny storefronts and a lot of new commerce.

"Keeping live-work space affordable—that's a major issue," said Gerdeman. "We want artists here, and we want to keep them here, not use them as a segue to gentrification."

September 6th, 2007

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