10/25/12

Today: Runners Take to the Street for Public Art Awareness Run

Runners of all abilities are among the latest demographic of a growing list of citizens joining in to build awareness and support Ann Arbor's Art in Public Places Millage. The for ART Run on Thursday, October 25th at 6 PM is free and open to the public.

This untimed run will traverse passed 14 public art locations, including everything from the Tree Forms in West Park to the Cube on the University of Michigan's campus. The run will start outside PR Fitness Studio at 255 East Liberty Street at 6 PM, and travel approximately 6 miles through central campus, the Old West Side, and south campus, finishing back at PR Fitness. 

The for ART in Public Places campaign is working to ensure that Ann Arbor citizens vote YES! on Proposal B on November 6th to fund and revitalize Ann Arbor's Art in Public Places program.  The millage would cost the average Ann Arbor property owner less than $1 per month.

Campaign Manager Mike Henry explains, "Support for Proposal B just keeps coming.  And we are very excited to have citizens from the runner community join the growing ranks of endorsers for the campaign.  Regular citizens are really starting to understand that Proposal B will improve the way the city operates and funds art in public places."

Henry continues, "It became clear early on that most citizens outside the political and arts worlds had misconceptions about the City's Public Art Program. Slowly but surely the campaign has been clearing up misconceptions and racking up endorsements everywhere. Eight out of ten people are convinced to support Proposal B after hearing the facts. Our challenge is getting accurate information to all 100,000 voters before the November 6th general election."

To view the campaign's FAQ document visit: www.bforart.com/faq

The campaign website currently lists over 75 endorsers from Ann Arbor's Who's Who among political, business, arts, cultural, and educational leaders.  A few familiar names include:  City Council Members Steve Kunselman & Mike Anglin, Mayor John Hieftje, State Senator Rebekah Warren, State Rep. Jeff Irwin, County Commissioner Yousef Rabhi, AAPS Board President Deb Mexicotte, McKinley Properties CEO Albert Berriz, Zingerman's Ari Weinzweig, Michigan Theater CEO Russ Collins, Menlo Innovations CEO Rich Sheridan, First Martin's Bill Martin, FestiFools Co-Founder Mark Tucker, Downtown Home & Garden's Margaret Parker & Mark Hodesh, the Original Ann Arbor Art Fair's Maureen Riley, U-M Arts Engine Director Theresa Reid, Ann Arbor Art Center CEO Marsha Chamberlain, Arts Alliance CEO Deb Polich, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chamber Vice President Andy Labarre, incoming City Council Members Sally Hart Petersen & Chuck Warpehoski, incoming State Rep. Adam Zemke, & former City Council Member Dave DeVarti.

For a partial list of official endorsements visit  www.bforart.com/endorsements

The run is expected to last approximately one hour. Participants are encouraged to arrive at PR Fitness by 5:45 PM. Route directions will be available the day of the run. For a sneak peak, visit  www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5689829.

"Ann Arbor is known as a cultural leader in Michigan; it is one of our most important competitive advantages," says Henry.  "With the passage of Proposal B, residents will see an expanded breadth and diversity of Ann Arbor's art in public places."