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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Julie Frankino, Grant Writer
DATE: February 23, 2023
SUBJECT:
A Resolution seeking City Council authorization to apply for a Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Grant in an amount not to exceed $80,000.
PURPOSE:
The Aurora Public Art Division is seeking a grant from Kane County to assist in the creation of a mobile game app that will create a wayfinding path through Downtown Aurora enhanced with augmented reality markers to guide visitors to public art installations, businesses and other attractions.
BACKGROUND:
The Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Grant Fund requires applicants to submit a resolution from the governing board authorizing permission to apply for a grant. The city was last awarded a Grand Victoria Riverboat Grant in 2020.
DISCUSSION:
Smart maps regularly assist tourists and residents alike to plan outings. Such maps can improve and enhance the experience of a trip for people who have specific expectations or purpose for their visit, can introduce people to new businesses and attractions, and can help cities better understand foot traffic patterns. This project aims to build upon this concept to create a unique, secure mobile game app that includes a virtual map to create wayfinding paths that encourage people to explore everything that downtown Aurora has to offer and discover its hidden gems, including local businesses. Students will contribute to the creation of artwork that will be incorporated into the augmented reality content of the game.
Between the proliferation of public artworks in the city over the past five years and the addition of many new restaurants and business in Aurora's downtown since the pandemic, the city's downtown is on the threshold of a substantial renaissance. The Public Art Division aims to help further spur downtown revitalization by creating a map-based game that will guide visitors on routes that expose them to businesses, points of interest, and works of art.
The 20...
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