Des Moines, IA: From more than 50 submissions the Innovation Investors with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines have identified 4 IGNITE FINALISTS for the 2014 Challenge! A collaborative group will pitch their innovative idea to a community panel to determine the winners: first place prize of up to $30,000 and runner-up prize of up to $15,000. Winners will be announced December 4, 2014.
The idea is ART RTE (ärt raüt):
Think, “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” with a route leading you to world-renowned art within our city, free for all to enjoy-24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. ART RTE unites 86 works of public art in Greater Des Moines with a nearly seven mile long, sustainably painted path, creating artful city sidewalks and five bold downtown intersections. The project is scalable and can expand into art pockets throughout the metro for a coordinated regional approach. ART RTE engages locals and visitors in a walkable and memorable experience. Drives economic impact to nearby businesses. Increases traffic and pedestrian safety. Leverages the existing Public Art Foundation’s geo-targeted, informational mobile app. ART RTE is innovative as it combines a unique experience with art, safety, education elements and health benefits. To date, the project is a collaboration between the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation, Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, City of Des Moines, Des Moines Police Department and Downtown Neighborhood Association. This project’s innovation is that Greater Des Moines would be the first city of its kind to combine a public art painted connector path with painted intersections. ART RTE is vibrant. Artistic. Cultural. Unique. Game changing.
This link provides more information.