4/25/2014

Franklin School To Transition Into Art

By Paula Hess


For those who live in Washington, DC, you must have seen the Franklin School at one point or another. It was made in 1869 and, since that time, it has become something of a landmark. Unfortunately, it does not have much of a purpose apart from its historical significance to the city but it seems like there is about to be new life breathed into the Franklin Building. For those who specialize in art as their career path, this news may be especially interesting to you.

According to a report on Washington City Paper, the Franklin School will be utilized in order to house an art museum with a tremendous amount of wealth. A number of mediums and types of art will be incorporated, some of the examples being, "contemporary art, sculpture, installations, and performances." The article also made mention of a restaurant and cafe being put into place as well. To me, this means that there will be far more of a social aspect added which few museums seem to possess.

It also deserves to be noted how the Franklin School will be given a new sense of life after a long period of inactivity. It's important to keep in mind that the building was used for other purposes in the past, one of the examples being a homeless shelter. Unfortunately, this did not last, as the shelter in question closed during 2008. After the building ceased this endeavor, it fell into a period of inactivity, which means that it became nothing but a prominent landmark.

Of course, there's the idea of employment to consider with this upcoming museum as well. Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Victor Hoskins commented on the matter, saying that this could, "create new jobs and provide educational and mentoring programs." Those who hold an interest in art will probably be happy to know about this, as it is able to open up potential jobs for them to take up. What about those who specialize in retail, seeing as how the museum will not only hold an eatery but a bookstore as well?

No matter where one can go, it goes without saying that there will be, at least, a few buildings that are unoccupied. Whether a business has finally been closed down or not, it's apparent that the structures left behind can still be of use. Granted, the structures in question have to be steady and sturdy alike. Fortunately, the state of Washington recognized this and the construction of a new museum is underway. This should prove engaging for both residents and tourists alike.




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