DEPARTMENT: Culture and Creative Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Felix Padron
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-wide
SUBJECT:
Luminaria, San Antonio's annual celebration of art and artists
SUMMARY:
A briefing and discussion on Luminaria 2014
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In 2008, San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger initiated Luminaria as an annual one-night downtown arts celebration, with the intent of showcasing the works of San Antonio artists. For six years, the event was led by volunteer organizations, artists and administrators, including the artistic directors, curators and artist selection committees. Approximately 700 local artists participate each year, representing all artistic disciplines. Luminaria attendance has increased from 125,000 to over 300,000.
In 2013, the City, Luminaria Board and the 80/20 Foundation commissioned a five-year strategic plan, informed by past participants and stakeholders, which yielded a bold vision for the event, including positioning Luminaria on an international platform and moving the event to November 7th and 8th.
Luminaria 2014 represents a bold new vision for San Antonio. For two nights on November 7th and 8th, San Antonio will become a global stage for celebrating the city's heritage as a cultural crossroads between North and South. Local artists will join artists from Latin America to create murals, light / video installations, and performances that transform the landscape into a place where imagination reigns. The two nights will feature art, music and performance, and this year Luminaria adds its first ever daytime events.
Each year Luminaria is staged in a unique area of downtown. This year the festival focuses on River North, a beautifully restored area that will highlight the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts and the Southwest School of Art. Luminaria will enrich San Antonio's landscape with original artworks and will redefine downtown by attracting the public to vibrant, new cultural zones. Luminaria serves as an annual catalyst for rediscovery.
The new Luminaria is guided by the adopted five-year strategic plan and aligns with San Antonio's downtown development goals. As San Antonio becomes a leading edge creative city, the plan envisions Luminaria working with diverse community, municipal and corporate stakeholders to ensure long-term investment that works to define downtown as an internationally renowned destination for culture and entertainment.
Luminaria's new curatorial vision is guided and set by an artistic director, who will coordinate the direct invitation of national, international and local artists. This approach borrows from the curatorial successes of Luminaria's past six years to select artists, projects and works of art that advance and broaden San Antonio's creative economy.
ISSUE:
Luminaria, San Antonio's annual celebration of art and artists is being positioned to become a global stage where international, national and local artists celebrate the city's heritage as a cultural crossroads.
The briefing addresses what is being planned for Luminaria 2014.
ALTERNATIVES:
This is a briefing item only; there are no alternatives. City Council may discuss and provide input on Luminaria 2014.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This is a briefing item only; there is no fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is a briefing item only; there are no staff recommendations.