Pop-Up Galleries, Local Economies, and the Pursuit of Culture

Pop-up galleries  have been around quite a while.  Chicago has had them for years, as well as the surrounding suburbs like Evanston and Blue Island.  And that is disregarding all of the larger cities in the state, the country and the UK!

So why not here in Plainfield?  Or should I ask "why in Plainfield"?

I'm no economist, or city commissioner, or store-front business owner.  But have you visited our downtown?  Are you familiar with our seasonal festivals and downtown celebrations?  Unless I am way off in my thinking, the reason for having these events are- A) to put money into the local economy from residents from the surrounding area, and B) to give something to the local community to enjoy.  Both of these are good reasons. So how does a pop-up gallery accomplish these two goals?
The galleries are an event.  It can be made to be as big as necessary to bring people in.  All that is needed is a little advertising, and local businesses to give a some space to allow the art to be shown- or even better, vacant buildings can be cleaned up and used to display the works.  This brings in a TREMENDOUS amount of foot traffic through the downtown area.  People will be looking at the vacant buildings as potential business opportunites, and giving money to the local shops and restaurants.  And what does this cost the city?  Nothing, pretty much.  Plus- IT'S AN ART GALLERY.  Free for anyone to visit, with lots of art to buy and enjoy!! People coming from Shorewood, Naperville, Aurora, Warrenville, and the surrounding areas to enjoy an art exhibit and help our local economy is a pretty good thing.

Where is the down side to this?

-Christine