Akron Public Library and The Curated Storefront – Akron, Ohio

Isaac Kremer/ August 24, 2018/ placemaking, public art, storefront

Akron is miles ahead of most places when it comes to making blank" >target="_blank" >glossary/technology/" class="glossaryLink" data-cmtooltip="49fc66fd4224b8db8a5d9bf7e3692b68" target="_blank" >technology for makers easily available for its residents, library users, and businesses. The Akron Public Library in the ceiling-medallion/" class="glossaryLink" data-cmtooltip="557374c3eebbede5d82414433d1f21e7" target="_blank" >center of downtown is handsomely outfitted with a whole suite of equipment to help with making vinyl banners, 3d printing, transferring media from one format to another, taking professional photographs, and scanning, printing, and copying. It was quite an experience to see all of this housed under one roof. Even more impressive was to observe how freely available all these tools were. The vinyl printer is booked two weeks in advance. There is a fee per foot of material for what is produced. This venture represents an exciting initiative by a public institution (library) to support creativity and innovation by both residents, library users, and businesses (private enterprise). Hopefully it is a model for other public institutions to follow.

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The broken_link">Curated Storefront is a project that relies on technology at the library to fabricate artworks that are subsequently installed in vacant storefronts throughout Akron. This very innovative program has already transformed dozens of storefronts throughout Akron. The program has been supported by Knight Arts and also the Downtown Akron Partnership.

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About Isaac Kremer

IsaacKremer.com is the personal website of Isaac Kremer, MSARP, a nationally recognized leader in the Main Street Approach to commercial district revitalization with over 25 years of experience. Kremer, New Jersey's first certified Main Street America Revitalization Professional (MSARP), has served as founding executive director for organizations like Experience Princeton and the Metuchen Downtown Alliance, which won a Great American Main Street Award under his leadership. He recently became director of the Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority in Michigan.