Lights On Tampa
is a critically acclaimed and award winning program whose mission is to bring free access to artistic excellence. Its emphasis is on new media technologies and education. Lights On Tampa is informed by successful international models including BEAP (Biennial Electronic Art in Perth), and Lights of Turin.
From an international call to artists, a highly respected jury consisting of Anne Pasternak, Jerry Saltz, and Dave Hickey, recommended a pool of artists to participate in Lights On Tampa 2009. While all will be innovative and experiential, one installation is specific to the Super Bowl in recognition of Tampa hosting Super Bowl XLIII. The intent is to broaden the reach of the arts through Lights On Tampa, and connect with new audience groups. Millions will see all of the installations.
The program is a public/private partnership that reinforces Tampa’s commitment to the arts, technology, and education. It is a cultural and aesthetic event designed to engage, entertain, and educate Tampa’s diverse community.
Lights On Tampa is a biennial program timed to complement a larger community initiative to revitalize and strengthen the downtown core, reinforce the city’s commitments to the arts and technologies, and capitalize on the peak tourist and convention season in Tampa. Lights On Tampa 2009 brings the work of major contemporary artists to downtown Tampa. Lights On Tampa kicks off on January 10th with a large public event, and the installations will continue to run through February 2nd, in order to reach visitors in Tampa for the 2009 Super Bowl. Lights On Tampa 2009 sites include: The Tampa Convention Center and Riverwalk, USF Park, Cotanchobee Park, and Fort Brooke Parking Garage. Community members, and visitors will celebrate the opening of Lights On Tampa 2009 through a pedestrian-friendly public event in order to experience each of the destinations.
Lights On Tampa provides a strong education component with its focus on visual literacy. A News In Education insert will be developed and distributed to over 250,000 The Tampa Tribune subscribers, which spans 10 counties. This website offers lesson plans for teachers of grades k-12. Lights On Tampa education partners include: The Tampa Tribune, Tampa Museum of Art, University of South Florida and University of Tampa. On the public school teacher professional day in the summer of 2008, teachers will be presented with educational materials that they can incorporate into their yearly lesson plans.
Lights On Tampa 2009 seeks to synergize artists, businesses, students, tourists and community members. The celebrated art program will enliven the pedestrian experience, add vibrancy to Tampa’s downtown, and showcase Tampa as a fun, aesthetic, technologically innovative city.
