Random Gathering, or, Hindering an Artistic Community

A couple of evenings ago, a friend of mine and I were out for a late evening stroll. We grabbed some tea at the Urban and headed towards Town Square. As we got closer, we heard music coming from the square and discovered the source of the music was a guitar and a banjo playing some old standards (the most random part of this was that the guitarist was my roommate).

The music was great, and people were gathering. At one point, a couple found their way to us, and exchanged niceties, commenting on how wonderful it was that there was music coming from the park. It gave our downtown an urban feel, something which is a feat, as of late.

Shortly thereafter, our musicians began to pack up. People wondered why, and they responded that they get a lot of flak from the police because they don't have a transient merchant license, and if people give them money for playing, it becomes a problem.

I type in shock. Are we so uptight as a community that we must control this "element?"

A few weeks before, again on a random walk through Town Square, we watched a chalk artist working his mojo on the back wall of the amphitheatre. He had set up a stereo and was chalking to classical music. It was great. People stopped to watch a bit, then moved on. Downtown felt somewhat alive.

The next morning as I went to work, someone was pressure-washing off this man's art.

Again. What, if any, problems could our city, or its officials, have with this expression? Do we not profess to foster a community where people can feel free to be artistic?

What elements of urban enjoyment do we find in cities we chose to emulate? In downtown Minneapolis, when one leaves the bar, the sidewalks and streets are ablaze with energy. There is a certain street urchin element - whether it is some avant garde music coming from buckets that serve as makeshift drums, or actual musicians set up with their instruments.

Should we not strive to create a downtown that encourages this type of behavior? What is it that we fear?

Consider the length of time downtown Grand Forks went without sidewalk seating. Consider the fact that restaurant owners are not always able to use outdoor "public spaces," which otherwise go unused at all. Consider the ultimate shutdown of our city at 9pm until the bar crowd makes their way home. Must we move at tortoise pace because we fear the response of a vocal minority?

A lot of questions, and I, for one, want answers. The Downtown Leadership Group has added the above complaints to its August agenda. I've had conversations with the president of the City Council, and he was, frankly, as shocked as I.

I hope for a time when music becomes part of the ultimate scene downtown. I long for a time when we don't have to find our entertainment in bars alone. I long for a time where public art, regardless of its look, feel, of composition, is encouraged and fostered. Maybe I'm dreaming too big. Maybe I'm idealistic.

Its time for this city to move forward and embrace those elements that create urban living. Otherwise, we'll forever be a small town trapped in the prison we built for ourselves.
Peace :: Ben :: Team CulturePulse