The third iteration of Resurfaced kicks off Thursday, and the focus is public art.
Resurfaced seeks to “activate” public spaces that have been dormant or underused. This time, the three-day event will be in a parking lot on 10th Street at the Ohio River.
The area is already the site of a public art exhibition titled “Connect / Disconnect,” and Thursday evening's event is being called an “art carnival,” featuring video projections, spoken word, and other site-specific art.
The area, which is partially underneath the interstate, is ready to be used in a new way, said Sarah Lindgren, public art administrator for the city.
“It’s a space that I would say is in transformation, and that is really what excited us about that site and interested us in activating the site with public art,” Lindgren said.
Part of the Louisville Loop runs through the site, and it's less than a quarter of a mile from Museum Row, yet it feels empty and disconnected from the city at certain times of day. At the same time, the area offers great views of the river, the bridges, and the downtown skyline.
Lindgren said the site has historical significance as well.
"It’s the area that was included in Fort-on-Shore, which was the first settlement in Louisville [in 1778]. It was the first place that people arrived and built a community in Louisville, and we thought that was really exciting,” Lindgren said.
Visitors to the site can download the free app OtoCast, which offers maps and more information, including audio guides, about the public art on display.
In addition to Thursday night's events, Resurfaced will also host a fashion show produced by the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, a fried chicken cook-off, and a costumed dance party.
Resurfaced is open through Saturday night. Here's more information.