Columbus has always struggled with its identity. It is the capital of Ohio. But what is Ohio? Is it the Midwest? Or the Eastcoast? Is it a blue state or a red state? Conservative or progressive? Is it a farm state or industrial? It is hard to determine what makes Ohio distinctive. This is probably why Columbus is so confused. It isn't the largest city in Ohio. It does not have its own pro football, baseball, or basketball teams. It does not have a public transportation system. It barely has a waterfront.
Instead of focusing on what it is not, let's focus on what Columbus has to offer. It is often referred to as “Test Market, U.S.A” because so many fast-food chains develop their menus in Columbus. Market researchers believe that the population of Columbus is a solid representation of American society. This is why they love to use us as guinea pigs. Fast food chains adore shoving food down our throats. Consequently, Columbus is also ranked 16 in the top 25 fattest cities. Isn't that lovely?
A little known fact is that Columbus is a restaurant mecca. In attempt to fight the overwhelming amount of corporate chains, local restaurant owners have developed an organization focused on feeding the local economy. "The mission of Dine Originals Columbus is to celebrate, support and promote locally owned and operated independent restaurants by providing unique dinning experiences for its patrons and collaborative services and benefits for it members." Columbus provides an amazing array of culinary variety and talent across in every price bracket. A great resource for local residents and visitors is a blog called The Restaurant Widow. Lisa the waitress is a local restaurateur with an amazing talent for photography and writing. Her words and pictures combine to capture a uniquely beautiful essence of food. Even non-Columbus residents can appreciate her ideas and recipes.
Many cities across the nation are fighting to be known for the best restaurants. Columbus simply can not fight NY, Chicago, San Fran, Vegas and the like in the restaurant arena.
This seems to be the common theme. Anything we can do - they can do better. We have all of the elements of a great city. We have a hoping arts district with unique and cultural galleries. We have an opera house, many theatres, science and art museums. There are many outdoor parks and recreational facilities. We have cultural hubs - German village, Italian village, Short North, Grandview and more. And shopping? Columbus home of some of the largest retail corporations and boasts one of the largest outdoor malls in the world. Sports? Check out the Arena district. Conferences? Head to the convention center. You name it. Columbus most likely has it. The problem is that none of it is particularly distinctive or original. We cannot claim anything as our own.
Or can we? Enter Dr. Social Psychology. The patient? Columbus, OH. The symptoms? Ambiguity and haze. The diagnosis? Social identity disorder. The cure?
The Indie Art Capital of the World campaign.
Here is an excerpt from the press release Monday, October 29, 2007:
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The title of “Indie Art Capital of the World” was announced and awarded to the City of Columbus last Tuesday, October 23rd. This announcement marks the beginning of a new grass-roots effort in Columbus to help clarify and boost the cities image throughout the world as a place where all types of art produced with an independent spirit are embraced. Already forging a strong foothold in the community, this title is anticipated to be adopted into the marketing and promotion organizations throughout Central Ohio by the end of the year.
I encourage reading the entire press release.
Honestly, I dig the title. Part of the reason is that I am, in a way, a member of the indie art community. My rough attempt at writing qualifies me for some sort of membership, right? Then there is the Ad biz. Even the movers and shakers behind this movement cite advertising as one of the big dogs - "There are literally hundreds of different expressions of indie art in Columbus. From dance, film and visual arts to literature, music and even advertising."
Columbus: The Indie Art Capital of the World. I'm in.
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