As we close the year on 2022,
DIA’s can count many successful stories in 2022. Adding new volunteers, while helping businesses and other stakeholders finally put the pandemic behind them and developing a new sense of we love local throughout the community. We would like to share some of those stories.
- In March DIA celebrated our 27th birthday by hosting a Landmark Building downtown tour of Coutt’s Garage & the Hailstone Feed Store, both of which received preservation grants supported by DIA.
- In 2022 DIA added new programming and increased the scope, quality, and diversity of both visual arts, musical & performance talent. We welcomed back Fenders on Front Street and hosted the Down Home 4th July and two Wine & ArtWalks, which together themselves had over 10,000 attendees. Altogether DIA programming saw over 30,000 attendees and visitors.
PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS
Through grants, DIA strengthened partnerships that re-introduced the Downtown’s core art-imbued community and Creative Arts District to locals and visitors. While navigating Covid protocols, DIA’s programming providing much needed foot traffic to local businesses and economic vitality to local art talent.
- DIA hired over 100 music and performing groups with over 400 musicians and performers played over 160 hours. 84 local artists participated in programming.
- The Historically Hip Artisan Market was present at 23 events, with over 89 artists participating.
- Over 30 hours of community educational arts: including 8 make & take art projects, 3 instrument zoos, 4 kids art scavenger hunts, 3 plein air art shows and a kid’s story book stroll featuring book Cat Stevens, Peace Train.
- Local artists Lisa Rasmussen and Gail Baker livened up downtown business window fronts with 13 pieces of seasonally themed artwork.
- Partnering with the Washington Blues Society, The Confluence Music Festival & Gas Station Blues performing over 21 hours of music. While Issaquah Goes Apples, Farm Fresh & Winter Artisan Markets increased in scope.
- Seasonal shows by new talent the Memphis Belles, Tweenland & others, performed over 15 hours during DIA programs. While a partnership with Artists without Borders exposed Issaquah to more musical talent.
- The Wine & ArtWalks returned, and ArtWalk & Music Strolls played over 125 hours of musician talent &
featured at over 50 downtown businesses & locations.
DESIGN & BEAUTIFICATION
- The DIA design team spearheaded the Parklet Pilot Program with 700+ people enjoy outdoor dining along front street.
- The Flowers on Front program hung and maintained over 100 flower baskets.
- DIA’s commitment to a clean city saw year-round & seasonal clean ups that combined, saw over 1000 volunteers log over 3,000 hours to help beautify their downtown.
PROMOTION
DIA continues to promote the downtown & Creative Arts District through robust e-mail, social & advertising channels, our marketing directly reached over 300,000 people in 2022 YTD, with over 30,000 people attending DIA programming. This increase in downtown foot traffic happened despite the Pandemic restrictions during Q1.
DIA partnered with 425 Magazine digital, KNXX radio, Sound Publishing, 1889 Magazine, Facebook & Instgaram Ads, to create district wide advertising, placing Downtown Issaquah as a destination on the Eastside.
