UTC Seeks Artists for Plaza Window Galleries

The owners of the retail storefronts at University Town Center are looking to pay local artists to display their work in the windows of some of vacant stores in the center's main plaza. 

According to Brad Long with New York-based Resource Real Estate, the company which currently owns two of the condominium buildings at UTC, the Walking Art Tour is designed to highlight local artists and draw pedestrians into the plaza. 

"It's a win-win for us and them," said Long in an interview. "The plaza itself, the patio area between the two condominium buildings…is a really beautiful space, but it isn't what I would call activated."

"We want to activate this space, engage the local community, and bring them into this plaza," continued Long. 

The art show is part of an increased slate of events his company is planning over the next few months to draw crowds to the area. 

Resource Real Estate will be auctioning 33 of its condominium units at UTC at the end of the month. In total, it owns 59 units in two UTC buildings, One Independence Plaza and Loft 22 The remaining units will be sold through a traditional marketing effort. 

Artists are invited to submit "family-friendly" works of painting, drawing, printing, photography and sculptures. No nudity or profanity allowed on the art."

If selected, Resource Real Estate will sponsor the artist up to $250 to display their work behind the windows  of the two vacant retail spaces which line the central plaza.

That's roughly 300 square feet of window space in each building. 

Additionally, artists will be able to sell their work with no fee or commission to pay to the sponsor.

Artist entries are being accepted on a rolling basis from now through November. Full details can be found here.