Contest will look for bright ideas downtown
Tallahassee Democrat –By Elizabeth Mack
August 20, 2010
Illuminate Tallahassee is working to beautify downtown.
The group, consisting of Knight Creative Communities Institute catalysts and other community volunteers, has a vision to light up downtown buildings, creating a skyline, said Michael Campbell, Illuminate Tallahassee chairman.
But there’s a catch.
“When we thought of this idea, we found that it would cause an economic issue,” he said. “Then we decided, let’s have a competition.”
The goal is to create a light display that has the most amount of luminosity using the least amount of power.
The first-place prize is $5,000.
During the competition Nov. 26, contestants will have 8 hours to set up a display themed “The Holidays” in a 10-by-10-foot plot. No batteries allowed; power outlets will be provided.
“This competition is going to force people to be creative,” said David Cartes, director of Florida State University’s Institute for Energy Systems, Economics and Sustainability. “It will be a challenge, but it won’t be too much that granddad can’t do it.”
Campbell said if the committee finds a display that works, the end result could be year-around — lighting one downtown building at a time. However, Campbell is hoping the competition will be annual to keep new ideas coming in.
The competition is open to Florida, Georgia and Alabama residents. Those interested in applying must do so by Sept. 3, with their one-page entry description and plan layout due Oct. 1. For contest rules and to apply, visit www.illuminatetallahassee.com.