Media Contact: Roger Riddle - rriddle@visitakron-summit.org



New event is one of three designed to use technology to enhance community programs and engagement in Akron





Photo credit: Tim Fitzwater - akronstock.com



Akron, OH – Akron residents, Pokémon GO players and art enthusiasts are invited to interact with the city’s vibrant downtown public art scene and play the popular smartphone game at the new “ Good Art Hunting ” event from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6.

Event attendees will meet at Cascade Plaza in downtown and then head out to play and see the art. The event will offer additional PokéStops at art installations and increased rates of spawning. There will also be opportunities to win prizes through a scavenger hunt and by sharing pictures online using the hashtag #GoodArtHunting.

The added PokéStops within the game will have information about the artists who created the art on display in downtown and will feature art from Curated Storefront, Art Bomb Brigade, Kai Wick, and others.







As part of the day, players are encouraged to take selfies and pictures of Pokémon GO characters using the art as a background and share the pictures on Instagram using #GoodArtHunting for a chance to win prizes.

The event is the brainchild of Niantic/Knight Fellow Roger Riddle. Riddle is the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Marketing & Social Media Manager, and this event is one of three that he is planning as part of the fellowship.

The Niantic/Knight Fellows Program—a partnership of Pokémon GO creator Niantic, Inc., and the John S. and James L. Foundation—was launched in August 2018. Riddle is in the first class of five fellows who will use Niantic technologies, such as those found in Pokémon GO, to create a positive impact in their communities. The fellowship was created to help develop and enhance community programs that look to create a positive impact, promote social learning, and foster civic engagement. The fellowship includes a stipend to execute community events, such as “Good Art Hunting.”

“Being able to partner with Niantic and Knight Foundation to highlight the exciting and positive things happening around Akron is an incredible opportunity,” said Riddle. “This event gives me an opportunity to expose others to the beautiful art that can be found all around downtown and tell people more about the artists and the curators who have made it all happen.”





The other events Riddle is planning for later this year will highlight Akron’s Kenmore neighborhood and the Towpath Trail.

To learn more about the Niantic/Knight Fellows Program, please visit here.