Art Fair on the Greener Square

Art Fair on the Square is working on a number of green initiatives intended to lessen the fair's environmental impact, while also shinning a light on sound environmental practices. The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, with generous support from Madison Gas and Electric, has collaborated with local and regional organizations, as well as participating artists and vendors, to create an “Art Fair on the Greener Square” campaign.

The “Greener Square” campaign includes these components:

Go Green Challenge

Artists exhibiting at Art Fair on the Square have been invited to participate in a Go Green Challenge. Participating artists will display one or more artworks constructed entirely of recycled materials. Art Fair jurors will evaluate the works and choose a winning artist who will be invited to participate in next year's fair free-of-charge.

Working Bikes—Bicycle Drive and Demonstration

Another “Greener Square” partner is Working Bikes Cooperative, a Chicago-based nonprofit which diverts bicycles from the waste stream and repairs them for sale and charity. At Art Fair on the Square, Working Bikes accepts donations of used bikes, to be refurbished and shipped to developing countries for transportation or as a power source. Working Bikes will demonstrate this capacity during the fair by showcasing a water fountain powered entirely by “pedal power.”

Isthmus Bike Corral

Approximately 200,000 people attend Art Fair on the Square each summer. In an effort to minimize energy used in transportation to and from the Square, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art and Isthmus|TheDailyPage.com urge visitors to hike, bike, or bus to the fair. Those who arrive by bike are invited to use the Isthmus Bike Corral, located at the intersection of King Street and the Capitol Square. Bikes in the corral will be monitored for safekeeping.

The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art has taken a number of additional steps to reduce the fair's environmental impact. An online jurying system and increased electronic communication have reduced the amount of paper used by fair organizers compared to previous years. In addition, the museum will use biodegradable and compostable products in its concession stands around the Capitol Square.

The Go Green Challenge is sponsored by Madison Gas and Electric.