Atlantic City turns to public art to spiff up its image

Atlantic City's next step to buff its image: a series of public art installations and green space.

"ARTLANTIC: wonder" — a five-year, $3 million project unfolding on more than seven acres of empty lots in AC — includes a replica of a sunken pirate ship, which safely started being installed after Hurricane Sandy hit. It's due to open to the public Dec. 1.

Works close to completion include a contemporary stage-like installation where performances can be held. It will open perhaps as soon as this weekend. The project is under the guidance of Lance Fung of Fung Collaboratives and includes lots of cutting-edge artists.

The idea is to "continue to improve the cultural experience" for AC visitors, says Liza Cartmell, president of the Atlantic City Alliance, a private, not-for-profit group funded by the city's casinos. Recently it has brought in a light and sound show created by an outfit that works with the Cirque du Soleil. The extravaganza has resumed after Sandy and can be viewed every 30 minutes nightly on the Boardwalk.

Meanwhile, the city is trying to get out the word that it is open for business and that the Boardwalk is fine.

"We're battling the perception" that the Boardwalk was seriously smashed by Sandy, Cartmell says. It wasn't.

Last Sunday, 600 people walked from Atlantic Club Hotel & Casino to the Revel resort to emphasize that the Boardwalk and the businesses are open. The "AC Board-WALK" also raised $1,800 for relief for hurricane victims.

The luxurious, less-than-year-old Revel, by the way, is offering some low rates for its contemporary-chic rooms. It just announced specials from $129 (not on weekends) to fill rooms. Click here for details. That's more than $100 lower than the introductory rates offered when I wrote about the resort opening this spring — another sign Atlantic City needs more upscale tourists.

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