# Traffic-Halting Dinner Parties Artist Hunter Franks Shut Down the Freeway to Host a Communal Meal By Ady Floyd | Published 2015-10-07 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/communal-meal References: [fastcoexist](http://www.fastcoexist.com/3051932/an-artist-stopped-traffic-on-an-ohio-freeway-to-host-a-citywide-dinner?partner=rss) Ohio-based artist Hunter Franks worked with the city of Akron to temporarily shut down the freeway in order to host a citywide communal meal. The idea emerged from the artist's desire to create a community-focused future. The freeway, which was built in the 1970s presented a city separation. However, there are plans to rid the city of the roadway and create a united future. This is why the communal meal became a reality. On September 3, 2015, Hunter Franks and the city of Akron sat down at well-dressed tables that lined the highway. This large gesture towards community involvement and togetherness is a monumental moment for Akron as well as global cities. This bold statement suggests that bringing people together and encouraging a better future will ultimately build better communities. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 20% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Community-building Meals:** Creating communal meals in unconventional spaces to promote togetherness and community involvement. - **Temporary Freeway Closures:** Temporarily closing freeways to facilitate public events and promote community engagement. - **Artistic Interventions:** Using art as a tool for positive social change and community building. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Hospitality:** Creating unique dining experiences in unconventional spaces to cater to customers seeking new and exciting experiences. - **Event Planning:** Planning and executing public events in non-traditional spaces to promote community involvement and engagement. - **Public Art:** Using art as a means of communication and social change in public spaces and communities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tunnel Six-Lane Highway](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/land-bridge-and-prairie.md) - [Meal Kit Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giant-delivery-box.md) - [Color-In Commuter Tunnels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/masterpeace-painting.md) - [Collaborative Meal-Making Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/12-person-table.md) - [Food-Inspired Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dish-pics.md) - [Community-Centered Rooftop Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rooftop-revival.md) - [Italian Sunday Dinner Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/friends-only.md) - [Statement Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1.md) - [Multi-Faceted Community-Focused Festivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/halsey-fest.md)