ABOUT AGORA
Agora is an immersive event that brings artists and art patrons together to celebrate Central Ohio's diverse and talented creative community. Agora guests have the opportunity to view and purchase hundreds of works of art, wander through fifty working artists' studios, and watch performances by dancers, musicians, and theatre groups.

Agora is an all-inclusive exhibition. Every visual artist that signs up to participate is included in the show.

Sales are strongly encouraged. Artists are asked to donate 25% of the sale price of each work to the Couchfire Collective to help fund future events. Local arts organizations and independent companies sponsor a number of cash prizes that are awarded to exhibiting artists and performers.



HISTORY
The first Agora was held in October 2006 by the Couchfire Collective and the members of Junctionview Studios. Originally intended as a way for friends and family to check out our new studio space, the event brought together over 70 artists, several with open studios, 14 musical acts, and 9 video and performance artists. Over 600 people attended the event and for the evening, Junctionview Studios became a common place for artists and art patrons alike.

After being blown away by the success of Agora I, the Couchfire Collective developed Agora into a semiannual event. Agora II was held in April 2007 and once again exceeded all expectations. 200 artists participated, over 50 studios at Junctionview were open to the public, and nearly 2000 guests came to share the experience.

Agora III, held in October 2007, brought a more focused planning and publicity effort. Two outdoor stages featured local musicians and performers. Increased press coverage helped boost artist participation and attendance. Over 2500 guests visited Junctionview during Agora III weekend.

Agora IV was held in April 2008 amid wet and windy weather. Attendance held true to the previous event. The same year, Couchfire Collective took on the logistics of the Independents' Day festival in September of 2008, and Agora V moved back a bit later in the year to October. Despite a compressed timeline, the show went on and increased in size again, this time hosting near 5000 people.

As Couchfire took a look at the coming year, it became appaent that Agora needed to turn into a once a year event. Agora VI became the biggest one yet. Drastic expansion in what the event offered, lengthening of hours, and a team of contributors brought in more people than ever, topping somewhere near 7000 people.

Agora VII took place in 2011. Weather made things difficult for us, however the additions of several new portions of the event, and the increased focus on studios and artists made the event a success. The same thousands of people came back and the show went on.

This year, the hope is to be focused on partnership and outreach. We will be reaching out to include as many artists as possible, making this a true affirmation of our vibrant art community.



ABOUT JUNCTIONVIEW STUDIOS
Junctionview Studios is a multi-function warehouse in Columbus, Ohio. More than 50 artists and performers work, display, and perform here. Its mission is to create a stable, productive environment that encourages artists to pursue their passion and share their vision with the community at large.



ABOUT THE COUCHFIRE COLLECTIVE
The Couchfire Collective is a group of twelve members who share a common drive to raise the profile of Columbus' creative community. Our mission is to provide artists and art patrons with diverse opportunities to make connections and become active participants in the local arts scene.

We advocate collaboration and communication between individuals, groups, and professional organizations who have a mutual interest in the arts. By positioning ourselves as enthusiastic innovators, we work to promote awareness of the artistic community as an essential component of civic development. Find more about us, see our events, and sign up for our mailing list at our website.