Ten creative and interactive projects will be realized for the free Mesa Prototyping Festival in downtown Mesa and neighborhoods to the southeast of Mesa Arts Center, Saturday, March 21, 2020, noon-8 p.m. The one-day festival will showcase experimental projects developed in direct response to feedback gathered from local residents about needs or opportunities concerning safety, walkability, gathering spaces, beautification and vibrancy.

“Prototyping ideas and experimenting with arts-based solutions allows us to envision what our community could be,” said Jennifer Gastelum, Mesa Prototyping Project manager. “Through prototyping, we aim to create opportunities for residents to get involved in designing their own community, and hopefully spark ideas for the future of their neighborhood.”

Projects were selected following a series of community feedback sessions, neighborhood walks and community residencies in the areas southeast of downtown Mesa. Key locations in two neighborhoods were identified as offering opportunities for improvement, intervention or creative enhancement. The festival is part of an ongoing effort in Mesa led by Mesa Arts Center that asks, how does a community design itself? Answers to the question are explored through a series of events that utilize arts-based tools for community development.

For Mesa Prototyping Festival artists and projects visit http://mesaartscenter.com/index.php/events/mesa-prototyping-project

By Casey Blake