Up on the Square Returns!
Something’s Up in downtown Edmonton, and it’s TIX on the Square’s new pop-up space. Aptly named Up on the Square, this formerly unused rooftop space is TIX’s latest initiative to showcase the work of local artist and bring diverse programming to the community. As TIX’s Business Manager Danny Ross explains, this creative solution to increase foot traffic has yielded some unexpected opportunities.
“Besides being beautiful, our outdoor space shares the same footprint as the store, allowing us to exhibit work we didn’t previously have room for,” says Ross. “We’re also seeing far more families and children in the space—people who’ve just happened upon it and felt comfortable being there. The outdoors really seems to remove the intimidation factor that formal exhibits sometimes have.”
The space has also allowed for more collaborations with other arts organizations. “In addition to gallery shows, we’ve been able to partner with the Works Festival and even host an album release with Capital City Records,” says Ross, “and the upcoming programming is just as exciting.”
If you’ve been missing out, mark your calendars for August 21, 28, September 4 and 11. You can access the rooftop by stairs or elevator, most Saturdays from now until October. As for the pop-ups extending into late fall and winter, Ross says, “whether outdoors or inside the TIX space, our pop-ups will certainly continue throughout 2021 and 2022.