A Community of Ideas

  Join our interdisciplinary Old Bakery community to imagine, build, and care for public space in downtown Austin.  The 1000 block of Congress is bordered by the State Capitol, Congress Avenue, and the Governor’s Mansion. It contains a City Park, a State Park, a Historic Bakery, and a growing Community of Ideas.   >>>PROGRAMS: 1. May 12th Mini Maker Faire- Sarah Presson www.eyelikedesign.com is partnering with the Senior Guild and Parks Dept Amy Russell to have a table and activities at the fair.   2. We are discussing an interdisciplinary team competition that would pull themes from our upcoming Ideathon report and deliver short verbal + powerpoint presentations. This is envisioned as a judged competition, with the winner continuing on to present at a “powered by Pecha Kucha” event at the Texas Architects convention in October. Next tasks include venue selection, grant writing, and a speed dating event to pull teams together. (PK is a trademark and Jana McCann is in discussion regarding proper use/licensing of this term)     Cindy Black suggests that we look at how this could benefit small businesses and entrepreneurs.  3. Other community events such as Parks Department-- September Museum day at Old Bakery. Kay Hughes reports that Plein Air Painting with Creative Arts Society is also looking at holding an event.     >>>SHORT TERM IMPROVEMENTS   1. Downtown Austin Alliance, in partnership with Austin Parks Foundation, now holds Parks subcommittee on “Design”. Melissa Barry, Eric Courchesne, and Roger Mueller report that the immediate focus is on Old Bakery Park. Additional stakeholder involvement will be needed, and Republic Square was discussed as a possible model.   2. Banner- Sarah Presson eyelikedesign.com is sketching ideas for improved signage to allow the community to connect the physical park to our online ideas, videos, and reports.   >>>LONG TERM IMPROVEMENTS   1. Alex Gilliam publicworkshop.com is publishing a report on the 500+ ideas submitted by the community during our 6-month Ideathon, and we will restructure the home page of our website to reflect any changes in our mission.     Join us “First Wednesday” 11:30 AM monthly in the park at 1000 Congress Ave   www.oldbakeryideathon.org #1000greatideas