NASHUA – Great American Downtown is excited to announce the official roll-out of its own free app, which enables Nashuans and tourists to enjoy a self-guided walking tour of public art in the downtown area.

The app, created through the platform DISTRX, is a free download to your smartphone. By coming in proximity with “beacons” set around Downtown Nashua, the app will alert you to a mural or sculpture nearby, and provide a voiceover description as well as written one with links for future exploration by the user.

“We are thrilled to provide this free and fascinating tour of Nashua’s incredible art scene, to locals and visitors to Nashua,” said Paul Shea, executive director of Great American Downtown. “With the current challenges of finding fun things to do while maintaining social distancing, we think this at-your-pace walking tour is a perfect opportunity for folks to get outside and enjoy some time in Downtown Nashua.”

The walking art tour evolved from the capstone project of Great American Downtown’s programming manager, Jennifer Annand. Shea had been involved with DISTRX creators a few years ago, establishing Nashua as a beta testing ground for the then-fledgling app. Pairing Annand’s vision of creative placemaking via presenting local art and artists, with the organization’s mission to showcase the vibrancy of Downtown Nashua was a great fit.

“I’m excited to share this project with everyone,” Annand said. “I’m grateful for the information and assistance I received from many in the Nashua art community, and specifically Positive Street Art, Nashua International Sculpture Symposium, and City Arts Nashua.”

Great American Downtown is especially grateful for the financial assistance from Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area’s 2020 Partnership Grant Program. Freedom’s Way provides grants for strategic investments in the cultural, natural, and historical resources that enhance the sense of place within the Heritage area.

“This grant has made the project possible, and will be a valuable enhancement for those visiting Downtown Nashua for years to come,” Shea said.

The DISTRX Art Tour app can be found in the app store of your smartphone. For more information, contact Great American Downtown at info@downtownnashua.org.

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