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Art Windsor-Essex’s executive director said being part of the city’s downtown revival is a top priority as she embarks on another five years as the gallery’s leader.
At a lunch held at Rodzik Gallery Tuesday, Jennifer Matotek — who first took the reins in 2020 and steered Art Windsor-Essex through a global pandemic and full rebrand — shared some of her plans for what’s next.
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One of those is the inaugural Night Light festival, which will take over downtown Windsor from Sept. 18 to 20 with three interactive public art installations.
“The goal is really to transform how people see downtown Windsor,” said Matotek.
“We’re going to have a number of art activations inside and outside the gallery in different places downtown, and we’re really excited to to create this inaugural festival as a way to be a magnet.
“I think Windsor has the potential to be a really exciting festival city, and we want to be able to be part of that conversation.”
The event is backed by $200,000 in funding from the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.
Other items on Matotek’s agenda include turning the gallery into a space that supports local creatives at every stage of their journey, while deepening its roots with the community.
“We’re thinking more and more about now we become part of the fabric of downtown,” said Matotek, “and how do we work within this building to be a magnet and cultural hub of activity.”
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Part of building that kind of hub included piloting two First Friday music events at the gallery, which will continue through the 2025-2026 period.
Matotek added there are plans to further digitize the gallery’s collection and to continue growing Look Again! Outside program, which brings artworks to the streets of Windsor.
She said the gallery is looking to expand the program into Willistead Park in Walkerville — the gallery’s original home.
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“We’ve been doing a lot of work around the next generation of makers, artists, creators,” said Matotek.
“We’re being really intentional about what we offer for every life stage, from the time you’re a kid up to the time that you’re a senior.
“How can art and creativity uplift and help you grow and change as a person as you’re going through all those stages of life? I’m excited to continue that transformation over the next five years.”
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