Downtown Scavenger Hunt!

Pop Up Spaces presents
Downtown Scavenger Hunt!! Sunday, March 1, 2009

Walk through the streets of downtown Tucson and you will find multiple FOR RENT signs on every block. While that may be discouraging to some Tucsonans, a group of artists sees these spaces as blank canvases. In the Downtown Scavenger Hunt on March 1, participants will be given clues to find 10 locations, each one with a short activity that will encourage them to engage with the current environment, reflect upon the historic record, and imagine future possibilities for the space. The resulting photography and writings will be displayed in the future at a time and venue TBA.

Clues and instructions can be picked up at Shot in the Dark Café, 121 East Broadway Blvd. between 12pm and 2pm.

Downtown Scavenger Hunt is free and appropriate for all ages.

Downtown Scavenger Hunt is the inaugural project of POP UP SPACES, a collaboration between artists Rachelle Diaz of Tu Scene, Molly McClintock of MAXED ART and Julie Ray of The Burrito Files. POP UP SPACES seeks to produce temporary, interactive, site-specific installations in empty spaces in which the visitors are not just expected to be passive viewers, but asked to be active participants. The goal of these art-based experiences is to enhance economic vitality and public engagement in downtown Tucson through promotion of the area's culture, history, architecture and business community.

More info at the POP UP SPACES website.

Complete the Hunt and enter a Drawing to Win a special prize regarding Historical Downtown Tucson!

Weigh In On The Future of The Burrito Files

Hi friends,

In the spirit of change and inclusion, I'd like your thoughts on what The Burrito Files should focus on next. I've interviewed over 150 people, collected lots of interesting and juicy ideas and stories, and received some great news coverage. Now what?

My thought is to focus on a specific downtown issue and work on making a real impact. Another possibility is to come up with creative ways of displaying and presenting the "data" I've collected.

What do you think?

Thanks for your input!

Julie

The Burrito Files - Sheila

Are you a Tucson native? No. New England and proud of it. Mostly from Mt. Desert Island, Maine.
What are you doing downtown today? Came to see Julie's burrito files.
Describe downtown in 3 words or less? Old, has potential.
If downtown Tucson were a burrito what would be in it? Salsa, Cuban music, Latino vibes, sweet chile peppers, lots of mushrooms with some chile-infused chocolate on the side.
Have any significant events in your life happened in downtown? probably
Interview/Photo by Julie Ray at Rooted in Place opening, Arts Incubator Gallery, 12/05/08

The Burrito Files - Saumya

Are you a Tucson native? No. Dehli, India, then Philadelphia, then Ithaca, then Chicago, then Houston, then Ann Arbor, then Tucson.
What are you doing downtown today? Checking out the "Rooted in Place" exhibit
Describe downtown in 3 words or less? sparkling, open, less traveled
If downtown Tucson were a burrito what would be in it? turquoise jewelry, refried beans, palm fronds, Prius, breakfast Migas
Have any significant events in your life happened in downtown? We learned about fake food!!
Interview by Saumya Vanderwyst, Photos by Prasenjit Ray at Rooted in Place opening, Arts Incubator Gallery, 12/05/08

The Burrito Files - Peggy

Are you a Tucson native? Semi-native, here since 1982
What are you doing downtown today? Came to the opening of my friend's exhibit
Describe downtown in 3 words or less? funky, energetic, diverse
If downtown Tucson were a burrito what would be in it? music, great food, friendly people, good beer
Have any significant events in your life happened in downtown? Used to go to U of A hockey games at TCC. Conections with cultural ideas, people, restaurants.
Interview/Photo by Julie Ray at Rooted in Place opening, Arts Incubator Gallery, 12/05/08

The Burrito Files - Doug

Are you a Tucson native? No, from all over, mostly the west, came here from Seattle
What are you doing downtown today? my wife is showing a picture at this art opening
Describe downtown in 3 words or less? potential needs work
If downtown Tucson were a burrito what would be in it? asphalt and dirty paper cups
Have any significant events in your life happened in downtown? No
Interview by Saumya Vanderwyst, Photo by Julie Ray at Rooted in Place opening, Arts Incubator Gallery, 12/05/08

The Burrito Files - Marlene

Are you a Tucson native? No, New York City
What are you doing downtown today? celebrating the art opening
Describe downtown in 3 words or less? unutilized potential
If downtown Tucson were a burrito what would be in it? bland salsa, tortilla would be from a really good handmade original recipe like Tia Maria's but inside is mush. Hasn't lived up to its exterior.
Have any significant events in your life happened in downtown? My first art exhibit here!
Interview/Photo by Julie Ray at Rooted in Place opening, Arts Incubator Gallery, 12/05/08