Improvements added to downtown Bloomington arts district

It is that time of year for students to either move in for the first time or return to the Bloomington scene. However, while freshmen and transfers will probably turn a blind eye to a new feature, returning Bloomington residents might notice a new addition to downtown and Kirkwood — banners sporting “Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District,” or BEAD.

“We’ve had the Entertainment and Arts District in place for a few years, and we finally got banners,” said Miah Michaelsen, assistant economic development director for the Arts.

“It’s important to the district’s evolution, and people are starting to notice. We have such
an eclectic downtown, and we wanted to market that to students, tourists and the community.”

While the banners advertise the BEAD name, many changes will begin in order to further enrich the district’s artistic feel, including more public art in places like the parking garages and crosswalks, and an always-changing array of restaurants.

To learn more about BEAD, pick up tomorrow’s paper.