The Arts Commission

DONATE:
Donate to the Arts Commission today!

ATTEND:
The Arts Commission hosts two signature fundraising events annually.

UNDERWRITE:
Underwrite an event or program.

COMMIT:
If your vision for the future of our City includes a rich and vibrant arts community, consider making a gift to The Arts Commission’s endowment fund or a planned gift.

VOLUNTEER:
Help make a difference in our community.

ADVOCATE:
Toledo’s arts community needs outspoken advocates to step up and speak loudly on behalf of the arts.

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Public Art

Current Projects

Digital Billboards Art Project

Toledo Digital Billboards Art Project

Toledo is home to a growing number of digital billboards. These giant computer screens are mounted high above the streets and allow advertisers to blast their message out to thousands of potential customers or patrons on a daily basis. The content that runs on these screens typically loops on a regular schedule showing each ad for approximately 8 seconds.

What would happen if some of the slides in the rotation on these billboards were not intended to promote, advertise or advocate for a particular cause or product? What if some of the slides were designed simply to enhance our City’s aesthetic and cultural identity?

The Arts Commission and Toledo Detroit Outdoor Media have partnered to utilize two local digital billboards, which are owned by Toledo Detroit Outdoor Media, to exhibit a series of artworks with the sole intent of beautifying the City of Toledo for 8 seconds at a time.

This project is designed to add to our city’s growing reputation as a center of creativity and culture, and to remind viewers that Toledo is a vibrant and enjoyable place to live and work.

2013 program selections

A second design competition was launched in February of 2013, and yielded 98 submissions from 40 artists! The design review board, which consisted of artists, graphic designers and educators, chose 10 more images to be displayed on two billboards in West Toledo, which are owned by Toledo Detroit Outdoor Media. Below are the winning designs.

Cassandra Bridinger

Colby Wahl

Ellen Loeffler-Kalinoski

Elliot Charney

Lorenzo Cristaudo

Maura Meyers

Randy Bennet

Sarah Sobel-Poage

Scott Horn

Stevie Grand

2012 program selections

A design competition was launched in July of 2012, and yielded a whopping 172 submissions from 88 artists! The design review board, which consisted of artists, graphic designers, business owners, and representatives from Toledo Detroit Outdoor media chose 10 images to be displayed on two billboards in West Toledo. Below are the winning designs.

Jake Lee