The largest free art event in Dallas-Fort Worth has risen from the dead: Aurora, the Dallas-based public arts organization founded by artists in 2010, will unveil a one-night experience on Saturday, November 16 featuring large-scale, technology-driven public art installations.
Taking place in-person for the first time since 2018, the expansive public art exhibition will take place across an extensive footprint in Downtown Dallas, centered on Dallas City Hall.
The sixth edition, which normally occurs biennially, is titled FuturePresentPast and will be curated by Kendal Henry and Leslie Moody Castro. The theme "focuses on the potential for connection through vibrant, accessible cultural platforms," according to a release.
The just-announced initial artist list includes Ciara Elle Bryant, Jess Garland, Doug Land, Julie Libersat, Steve Parker, Hector Ramirez, Diana Rojas, and more.
The all-outdoor exhibition will pair major light and video works with activations that will showcase the regional sounds of gospel choirs, marching bands, and mariachi groups.
It will also mark the debut presentation of Midnight Momentoutside of New York City, a public art programs that is known for taking over billboards in Times Square. It will transform the Dallas skyline with video works by nine artists, with projections playing across public sites like Dallas City Hall, Dallas Public Library, and the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
“For the past 14 years, Aurora has been dedicated to using technology to create transformative art experiences for over 350,000 people right here in Dallas,” Aurora Co-Founder and Executive Director Joshua King says in a statement. “Free cultural platforms are more essential than ever for fostering dialogue and engaging communities in global conversations. We’re thrilled to bring everyone together once again to establish the largest free cultural event in Dallas.”
Additional participating artists and programming details will be announced in the days and weeks leading up to the event.