City transformation by inviting graffiti | Marty Kotis | TEDxNaperville

What happens when a real estate developer goes from hating graffiti to becoming one of the largest sponsors and curators of street art in the United States? How cities can transform, through the invitation of passion and paint. Marty Kotis is CEO and owner of Kick Ass Concepts, a development, commercial real estate, restaurant and entertainment company based in Greensboro, North Carolina. The company doesn’t just own property. It transforms entire city blocks from industrial wastelands into vibrant cultural hubs. One of his current projects involves transforming several acres of dilapidated industrial properties into Tracks Bazaar. The indoor/outdoor entertainment district will feature a food hall, microshops, co-working space, food truck park, gallery space, restaurants and a music venue.

Kotis Street Art has curated more than 250 installations in the Greensboro area, bringing in well-known artists from across the U.S., Europe, Australia and South America, as well as nurturing budding local artists. In 2020, he opened the Kotis Street Art Outdoor Gallery on land next to one of his shopping centers. The space offers 46 panels on which established and emerging street artists can practice their craft. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Видео City transformation by inviting graffiti | Marty Kotis | TEDxNaperville канала TEDx Talks