faqs
What is a Portal?
The Portal serves as a digital gateway to the arts. It is a key cultural component to the Tampa Riverwalk and is both a series of fixed structures on the Riverwalk, and an access point--or portal--to an educational website where information can be accessed in context to Tampa Riverwalk, the City of Tampa, Tampa Bay, and beyond.
What is the content?
The content for the portal focuses on three core subject areas: the humanities, the environment, and health and wellness. Content for the portal is pushed through the lens of the arts. How many will be installed? One Portal is currently installed on the Riverwalk at Curtis Hixon Park adjacent to the Tampa Museum of art and a total of Six (6) Portals are planned for the Riverwalk.
Where will they be installed?
They will be installed in locations with the greatest visibility: Curtis Hixon Park, Cotanchobee Park, The Tampa Convention Center, MacDill Park, David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, and Water Works Park.
When will they be installed?
The Portals will be installed in III Phases. These Phases are contingent on funding. Phase I is funded and includes Curtist Hixon Waterfront Park. This Portal was installed February 2011, in celebration of Lights On Tampa's third biennial. Phase II includes Cotanchobee Ft Brooke Park, MacDill Park, and David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. Fundraising for Phase II is currently underway. Phase III is Water Works Park and will be coordinated with the Heights Project Development.
What type of technology will they use?
Content resides on a designated server and is pushed either wirelessly or through fiber optic cable to LCD screens.
What is the cost of sponsorship recognition?
There are several sponsorship packages and opportunities available for the Portal Structure and Content Development. For further information contact Robin Nigh at robin.nigh@tampagov.net or 813.274.8531
Are there restrictions on the type of message?
The Portals will comply with all City of Tampa ordinances and standards can be downloaded soon. Who approves and posts messages? The Art Programs Division oversees and uploads content.
How frequently do the messages/images change?
A front-end evaluation of a Portal Prototype with performed during Lights On Tampa 2009. It was determined that pedestrians are more engaged with images changing every 5-7 seconds.
What is the anticipated visibility, including percent visitors/locals?
Visibility for both residents and visitors alike is expected to be significant. The Portals are placed strategically in key locations that guarantee the greatest visibility. In Cotanchobee Ft Brooke Park, foot traffic from the Tampa Bay History Center, The Marriott Hotel, The St. Pete Times Forum, coupled with conventions, Harbour Island residents, and downtown workers place the anticipated impressions at over 2 million. The visibility estimates for the Portal at the Tampa Convention Center is similar, as is the newly completed Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. This park hosts major events, as well as the new Tampa Museum of Art and the Glazer Children’s Museum. All locations along the Riverwalk are experiencing an increase in programming due to the connectivity of the Riverwalk and the completion of major capital projects.
Where else (inside/outside Florida) are these being used?
Pedestrian screens with a primary function of advertising have existed in interior mall spaces for several years. Digital Billboards are also well integrated into the urban environment. Merging these technologies make the development of the Portals possible. Other models for the Portals have been developed through organizations that bring dynamic digital displays and visual interfaces to outdoor, urban, public spaces.
What are the models for the programming and presentation of content?
An Advisory Committee comprised of educators and stakeholders will assist in organizing content in an engaging and entertaining format while keeping the integrity of the message being viewed. Sesame Street and The New Zealand Book Council are among organizations that are excellent models for maintaining a level of interest for viewers of all ages.
What is the schedule for updating content?
New content will be developed continuously and integrated with existing content. Some content may only be viewed seasonally.
What about maintenance?
The Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of the Riverwalk will maintain the Portal structures. The City of Tampa Art Programs Division, and the Friends of Tampa Public Art will maintain the Content.
How do Portals comply with city codes?
The primary function of the Portals is as an educational and artistic component; and The Art Programs Division oversees the content. It is anticipated however, that Alerts and Emergency Messaging can, if needed, override the content schedule. The Portals will comply with city codes.
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