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10th Annual Student Banner Project Adorns Downtown Light Poles, Raising Awareness Around Social Justice

Category: Press Room

10th Annual Student Banner Project Adorns Downtown Light Poles, Raising Awareness Around Social Justice

Students from Columbine Elementary School, Casey Middle School and Boulder High School showcase their artistic interpretations of social justice on Pearl Street Mall lamp pole banners now through April.

Boulder, CO [January 27, 2022] –  New lamp pole banners decorate the Pearl Street Mall thanks to the work of 42 talented artists from Columbine Elementary, Casey Middle School and Boulder High School.

The Banner Project produced by Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives (501(c)(3) is presented by Boulder Arts Week, Boulder’s only large-scale, inclusive celebration of the community’s vibrant arts and cultural offerings. This year’s banners are centered around the theme of social justice.

“The last two years have amplified the continued fight for equity and social justice in our community and country. These heightened efforts to combat inequality and the tension that has been created is felt by all but especially our kids and young adults,” said Abra Allan, Boulder Arts Week Program Manager. “We felt that there was an opportunity through art for students to express the fear, frustration and sadness being experienced. We wanted to support that.” 

At a kick-off event for the participating students held on the Pearl Street Mall on January 26, awards were presented to students from each school in the categories of “Most Artistic” and “Most Thematic”:

Columbine Elementary School
•    Most Artistic: Korrah Brandt
•    Most Thematic: Zuria Fraire

Casey Middle School
•    Most Artistic: Vincent-Felix Bowzer
•    Most Thematic: Greer Livingstone-Bathie

Boulder High School
•    Most Artistic: Chelsea Figur
•    Most Thematic: Abby Arnold 

In addition, the public will be invited to vote for their favorite banner during Boulder Arts Week, March 25 – April 2, 2022. Vote online at BoulderDowntown.com/Banners. The winning artist will receive the “People’s Choice” award and a $100 Downtown Boulder Gift Card.

A photo gallery of the banners is featured on the Downtown Boulder website BoulderDowntown.com/Banners, as well as a map identifying the location of each banner.

The banner project is sponsored by ANB Bank and GrafXGroup. This initiative is produced by Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives - who based the idea on a similar banner tradition hosted by Downtown Palm Springs. The three schools (in closest proximity to downtown Boulder), as well as the Boulder Valley School District, first partnered on this project in 2013.

For more information:
General public: 303-449-3774 | events@downtownboulder.org
Press: Emi Smith, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
303-449-3774 (office)| emi@downtownboulder.org

About Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives

Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives (DBCI) (formerly known as the Downtown Boulder Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created in 2017. The organization's mission is to engage visitors and locals alike through arts, culture, innovation and inclusive, community-driven experiences in downtown Boulder. (DBCIBoulder.org). DBCI, along with the Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District, falls under the umbrella of the parent organization, the Downtown Boulder Partnership

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