14-Dec-14 – There is money in attracting young downtown workers to alley art events.

Chicago Loop Alliance, the non-profit group tasked with making the Loop more interesting, says its “Activate” event series that took place in seven downtown alleys had a $393,120 impact on businesses in the Loop.

About 14,400 people attended seven events from September 17, 2013, to October 30, 2014, according to CLA. The events showcased the work of 140 Chicago artists, some of whom painted seven murals that still remain.

The group figures that 78 percent of people who attended an event went to a restaurant or bar before or after and spent an average of $35. Half of these people were 25 to 34 years old and worked in the Loop.

Each event, says CLA, “transformed an iconic downtown alley into a pop-up urban celebration with art, music, and interactive experiences.”

(Above) The September 17 event in Couch Place Alley featured the artwork of Luftwerk. Photo by Jennifer Catherine Photography.

CLA calls the events “placemaking,” one of which was a light and water presentation in Couch Place Alley between North State Street and North Dearborn Street. It featured a light show inspired by the Chicago River and produced by husband-and-wife artists who go by the name Luftwerk.

“Vibrant spaces attract people and investment,” says Michael Edwards, CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “These findings indicate our placemaking efforts have tangible economic impact and they are positively affecting the way people look at the Loop.”

In February, CLA said it had identified more than 150 underutilized public locations as potential spots for events.