By Jane Robison, Downtown Vision Marketing & Events Intern
First Wednesday Art Walk is turning 20 years old! Join us in celebrating as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of one of our beloved #DTJax events. For two decades, Art Walk has gathered creatives and locals together for an unforgettable experience of art, food and live music every month in Downtown Jacksonville.
In celebration of Art Walk’s 20th anniversary, let’s take a trip back to Art Walk’s early beginnings and explore Art Walk’s evolution throughout the years!
The Early Beginnings
Photo by: Downtown Vision Inc.
Prior to the creation of Art Walk, Downtown Vision Inc. hosted the “100 Windows Art Program”. This Downtown Vision event utilized various vacant street-facing windows to showcase local art. The “100 Windows Art Program” gained popularity among the #DTJax community and played a vital role in showcasing the importance of art within the Business Improvement District.
As Downtown Jacksonville was experiencing more development, much of the window space available for the “100 Windows Art Program” was lost. With an urgent need to continue showcasing artists’ talents, Art Walk was proposed by local artists, creatives and advocates in late 2002.
Research for Art Walk
Photo by: Downtown Vision Inc.
In December 2002, research for the soon-to-be First Wednesday Art Walk began. After extensive research, Seattle’s First Thursday Art Walk was chosen as the model for the First Wednesday Art Walk. With over 20 years of Art Walk history and a great events framework, Seattle’s First Thursday Art Walk was the perfect inspiration to model #DTJax’s First Wednesday Art Walk.
The Launch
Photo by: Downtown Vision Inc.
In November 2003, Antonio Allegretti initiated #DTJax’s First Wednesday Art Walk. Due to limited venue and art gallery spaces in #DTJax, Allegretti made First Wednesday Art Walk work with less than 10 venues. The research and hard work paid off, as First Wednesday’s Art Walk attendance grew 20% each month.
Growing Through the Years
Photo by: Cre8jax
While starting small, First Wednesday Art Walk has experienced remarkable growth over the past two decades! In 2005, Antonio Allegretti mentioned Art Walk had seen crowds of 7,500 people. Today, the First Wednesday Art Walk has seen over half a million visitors to #DTJax.
Launching with less than 10 venues, First Wednesday Art Walk now has over three dozen businesses and galleries participating each month. Art Walk visitors can explore wonderful local businesses and exceptional artistry in #DTJax. First Wednesday Art Walk has grown into an experience that brings people all over Jacksonville to enjoy a night of breathtaking art, delicious food, and incredible live performances.
The Jacksonville community is encouraged to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of First Wednesday Art Walk all year long! The next Art Walk takes place on Oct 4, 2023. We look forward to seeing you there!