1st Act Silicon Valley and the City of San Jose build an "Outdoor Living Room for the Arts" in downtown.
Silicon Valley talent is looking for more than a nice home in the "burbs,” cramped cubicles,and a 24/7 work life. We want opportunities to socialize with interesting people, access to arts, culture and a green lifestyle. Cool cafés and places to hang out. Lively streets. Lots of options for food and drink. An artistic, creative scene. Interaction, inspiration, stimulation, participation.
For three years, 1stACT Silicon Valley has focused on adding urban amenities to a three-block area in downtown San Jose called the SoFA District. SoFA (South First Area) is an emerging arts and culture district housing some of San Jose’s most unique organizations and creative industries. At the south end of the district, several arts organizations surround a small park called Gore Park. MACLA (a Latino arts organization), San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, and San Jose Stage border the park and San Jose Glass Center and Higher Fire Clay, a studio/gallery space, are nearby. Nearby commercial businesses include architects, product designers, and marketing advisors.
ArtPlace’s investment will help make our ideas and conceptual designs for transforming Gore Park into an urban plaza and an outdoor living room for the neighborhood a reality. We plan to close the streets between the park and adjacent buildings to create a vibrant public space that is activated by the SoFA community, South First Friday gallery walks, festivals and events,and becomes the capstone project and southern gateway for the SoFA district.