‘We Are’ Banner Installation

In December of 2019, the We Are project was started by Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP), with a vision to show how Downtown Akron is a place for everyone. Artists all around the city were encouraged to submit their artwork, and nearly thirty pieces of art were selected to be published on each light pole on Main Street.

“Stunning portraits blended with expressions of our city's character, combined with abstracted street- and topographic maps have appeared on banners, METRO RTA bus shelters, and in the outdoor art gallery at Lock 3. The work is a collaboration between Alexandria Couch and Micah Kraus called, We Are,” states the team at Downtown Akron Partnership. 

The project enables people of the community to think of how we communicate, and how we can tell our stories in different ways.

Bill Myers, Partner and Director of Emerging Technology says that most people have smartphones. While working on the project, he immediately thought, “How can we make this beautiful artwork visible to more people?” Each piece of art has a QR code attached beneath it and allows people to interact with the banners.

Alex and Micah both are Akron natives who are very invested in the community. They want Akron to evolve and grow. The new Downtown Akron art addition is innovative, fun, and collaborative! Not only is the artwork eye-catching, but each piece tells a story.

To learn more about the We Are project visit https://www.downtownakron.com/explore/we-are