Mike Bloomberg Visits Gary, Ind. for a Conversation about Community Building through the Arts
Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and artist Theaster Gates today hosted Mike Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP, Bloomberg Philanthropies and Mayor of New York City (2002-2013), at “ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen,” for a conversation about entrepreneurship, community building, and using non-profit culture as a driver of urban revitalization.
The Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge supports cities undertaking temporary public art projects that foster creative collaboration, address civic issues, and support local economies. In 2015, Bloomberg Philanthropies selected the city of Gary as a winner in the inaugural round of the Public Art Challenge.
Since opening in November 2016 at 411 E 5th Ave in Gary, “ArtHouse” has served as a civic center featuring commissioned works of visual art, offering culinary training and business development workshops, and providing cultural programming that uses food as a medium for community engagement.
“Cities across the country are exploring new ways to foster community and create jobs. The arts can play an important role in both – and Gary is proving it,” said Mike Bloomberg. “ArtHouse is a great example of how partnerships between city governments and the creative community can bring civic and economic benefits.”
“I am proud to collaborate on arts and cultural projects that play a vital role in Gary’s development and place-making,” said Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson...