ART(ing) Day RETRO

In September 2021, The Down Market and United by Design joined forces to redefine what PARK(ing) Day could mean for a city on the cusp of transformation. With Legacy Park and the support of the 80/20 Foundation as the backdrop, Art(ing) Day emerged—not just as an event but as a platform to celebrate creativity, innovation, and the vibrancy of San Antonio. What began as a global movement to temporarily reclaim metered parking spaces evolved into a dynamic, immersive art experience that blurred the lines between art, technology, and community.

Art(ing) Day transformed downtown San Antonio into an outdoor gallery, with augmented reality murals, interactive fashion showcases, and spaces designed for engagement. Visitors brought smartphones and tablets to activate the murals, making art a shared experience that bridged the physical and digital worlds. This collaboration was more than a display—it was an invitation to rethink the role of public art in the city’s evolving cultural landscape.

The day kicked off with Art(ing) Day activations from 10 AM to 4 PM, showcasing six augmented reality murals designed by local artists. Each mural, curated and placed in immersive settings by The Down Market, became a centerpiece of the activation. Visitors wandered through spaces designed with plants, furniture, and visual stories that transformed ordinary parking spaces into extraordinary experiences. This was followed by the Sundown Shoot Photo Walk at 5:30 PM, where photographers and creatives explored downtown San Antonio, capturing its essence with cameras and phones in a guided photo tour.

As the sun set, the energy shifted to a vibrant Fashion + Art Showcase featuring garments painted by Art(ing) Day artists, paired with live mural painting that invited public participation. The event culminated in an after-party hosted by the 80/20 Foundation and Pinkerton's BBQ, where the community gathered on the lawn at Legacy Park for live music, food, and drinks, celebrating the day’s success.

At its core, Art(ing) Day was about collaboration and the belief that art and technology, when intertwined, could create something transformative. It was about giving creatives, photographers, and residents a space to contribute to the city’s story. This partnership with United by Design not only brought augmented reality murals to life but also highlighted how public art could serve as a catalyst for community engagement and cultural dialogue. Art(ing) Day wasn’t just an event—it was a glimpse into the potential of San Antonio’s downtown revitalization.

Looking back, Art(ing) Day stands as a testament to what’s possible when you bring together artists, technologists, and community leaders to create intentional experiences. It reminded everyone who participated that public spaces are more than just functional—they’re opportunities to foster connection, curiosity, and creativity. It wasn’t just about filling parking spaces with art for a day; it was about showing what’s possible when a city invests in its culture, its people, and its future. The Down Market and United by Design didn’t just host an event—they set a standard for what public art and placemaking can achieve in San Antonio.

‍