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Street Stages Project:
In January 2021, Olympia Theater (now Olympia Arts MIAMI) launched Street Stages, bringing FREE community programming to Downtown Miami’s Flagler Street on Friday and Saturday evenings through the end of March. With presentations inside the historic Olympia Theater precluded by COVID-19 pandemic precautions, Olympia took the show outside to the street so local audiences could enjoy Miami’s talented Performing Artists in a safe, socially distanced, and responsible way. Every Friday and Saturday, from 4:00p to 8:00p, Singer/ Songwriters, Jazz/Pop Ensembles, Jugglers, Electronica, Comedians, Opera and Performance Artists popped up in front of Storefront Art Installations at three locations on the “100 Block” of East Flagler Street. Short sets created a perfect fit between drinks and bites in Downtown restaurants and bars. Street Stages is part of the #Flagler District “#SafeStreets/ Alt-B” initiative, activating vacant storefronts with Art, and is funded by Miami DDA, Miami-Dade County, Florida Division of Cultural Affairs and supported by the Flagler District BID. |
Project Area & Objectives:
Beginning in January 2021 – after months of shuttered venues, delivery-only restaurants, closed bars, and “virtual” performances – the Olympia’s creative team collaborated with stakeholders in Downtown Miami’s historic Flagler District on a project to re-engage audiences, arts patrons, and Downtown residents. A high retail vacancy rate, due to pandemic closures and an imminent streetscape construction project, provided a “blank canvas” on the 100 Block of E. Flagler Street.
The DDA’s “Alt-B” project began transforming vacant storefront windows into STREET ART GALLERIES for Miami-based visual artists to showcase their work. Storefront alcoves and recesses became STREET STAGES, and Olympia’s team presented a series of events featuring Miami-based performing artists.
Street Stages Phase-1 Objectives :
• Present #SafeStreet outdoor performances that enhance and benefit the community.
• Provide paid gigs for Miami Performing Artists and an opportunity to engage with “in-person” audiences.
• Model/demonstrate safe and responsible performing arts events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Encourage outdoor activity for audiences in a safe and healthy environment.
The DDA’s “Alt-B” project began transforming vacant storefront windows into STREET ART GALLERIES for Miami-based visual artists to showcase their work. Storefront alcoves and recesses became STREET STAGES, and Olympia’s team presented a series of events featuring Miami-based performing artists.
Street Stages Phase-1 Objectives :
• Present #SafeStreet outdoor performances that enhance and benefit the community.
• Provide paid gigs for Miami Performing Artists and an opportunity to engage with “in-person” audiences.
• Model/demonstrate safe and responsible performing arts events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Encourage outdoor activity for audiences in a safe and healthy environment.