Until recently, Tampa – inclusive of its downtown and the immediately surrounding areas – has been known to most as a city of transient art galleries, a lack luster fine arts museum, very little culture and a mere handful of annual artistic performances.

 

But suddenly, there is change – on the horizon and in motion.

 

Seemingly fueled by transplants and a continued influx of an out-of-state diversified work force, the transformation is aesthetically pleasing and quite obvious when considering the redevelopment of downtown’s North Franklin Street community, a surge of development in Tampa Heights, the ongoing transformation of Seminole Heights and the subtle shifts occurring in West Tampa.

 

With these changes come an obvious need for art and culture on a greater scale, as is the case with any major metropolis.

 

This is where Tampa falls short. The city, without a doubt, is lacking in fine art destinations, performing arts venues and art events. But make no mistake – Tampa does have a substantial untapped pool of fine artists; from various cultural backgrounds and with varied talents.

 

Of course, Tampa’s pool of fine artists is not limited to the skyscrapers of downtown, the bungalows of Seminole Heights or the casitas of Ybor City. From SOHO to New Tampa to Town ‘n Country, the city is bursting with genius.

 

I have had the pleasure of meeting many of these local artists whom – for the most part – are unrepresented and market their work via individual studios or combined artist–organized shows. This strategy has some benefits, but by no means is as meaningful in the development of the artists. Nor is it to the area as a fine arts destination of consequence.

 

Besides the rebuilding of the Tampa Art Museum and the many revitalization projects in and around downtown, there is a need to bring a level of sophistication to the marketing strategies employed in the city’s presentation of fine art. Additionally, Tampa – as with any developing city that strives to be a major metropolis and desired travel stop – has a need to educate its business leaders and residents on the importance and benefits of becoming a robust and successful art and culture landscape.

 

Among the avenues that bring this level of sophistication are fine art galleries, a dedicated and pedestrian-friendly arts district, multiple choices for live theatre and major annual art events (in the style of Art Chicago, Art New York, Art Miami and Art Basel).

 

A heightened level of activity would help areas within the Urban Corridor, especially downtown, emerge into active art districts that draw outside interests, such as international artists and collectors. The increased activity would create an abundance of opportunities for our locally rich, yet largely untapped pool of artists.

 

The rest, as they say, would be history. Tampa would truly be a vibrant City of the Arts, with opportunity and appeal.

 

Support from our city’s agencies, as well as the private sector, is key. With it, we will make this happen and the entire city will be the beneficiary.

 

About the Author:

Greg Phillips is the proprietor of Orange Park Gallery International (1215 N. Franklin St.) and is passionate about creating an art renaissance for downtown Tampa. Having previously owned a gallery in Atlanta, Ga., he eventually relocated his business and family to Tampa after falling in love with it during a short visit to the city. To contact Greg, call (813) 333-6299 or visit http://OrangeParkGallery.com.