The Philosophy of Five Points: A unique evening of art, ideas, and community connection

Cola Love, in partnership with the University of South Carolina’s Philosophy Department, announced The Philosophy of Five Points, an evening event dedicated to bridging the gap between academia and the community. Scheduled for November 15th from 5:30 PM to 9 PM, the event will take place in the vibrant Five Points district, with Proof serving as the headquarters for Cola Love. This special night aims to bring together local residents, students, artists, and thinkers for an inspiring exploration of thought-provoking themes tied to the essence of community.

The Philosophy of Five Points will feature a dynamic program designed to foster creativity and conversation through a series of interactive experiences in local shops and public spaces. By engaging with the evening’s theme, participants will dive into socially relevant topics and explore how philosophy, art, and local culture can merge to create a stronger, more connected Columbia.

Event Highlights:

• Curiosity Crawl: From 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, local shops will stay open late, transforming into interactive installations where artists and philosophers collaborate to explore philosophical themes through art and community engagement. Visitors will encounter 10 unique Cola Love activations throughout the district, offering surprising and delightful experiences at each stop.
• Heart Charm Scavenger Hunt: Participants can register online and start the scavenger hunt at any participating location, where they’ll receive a heart charm necklace to collect charms along the crawl. Those who gather all 10 charms will be entered to win a raffle prize at the after party.
• Artist Activators Program: Artists were invited to apply to be part of the event. Selected artists will collaborate with philosophers and local merchants to create meaningful activations that engage the community.
• After Party at Proof: The evening will conclude at Proof with live music, drinks, and a celebration of the creativity, curiosity, and culture that make Five Points special.

Heather McDonald, Executive Director of the Five Points Association said, “Last year’s Philosophy of Five Points was an incredible experience. It was truly magical to see how the community connected with our district in such meaningful ways. Collaborating with Cola Love and the UofSC Philosophy Department has been fantastic, and we’re thrilled to bring this event back for a second year. We can’t wait for another evening of connection and inspiration!”

The Philosophy of Five Points aims to establish and strengthen co-creative relationships, reach broader audiences, and build bridges between the university and the local community. With support from local restaurants, businesses, and artists, this event promises to be a night of connection, exploration, and celebration of Columbia’s vibrant cultural scene.

For more information on the event and how to participate, visit www.colalove.co or contact [email protected].

About Cola Love

At Cola Love, we are catalysts that activate people, places and ideas towards building a vibrant and inclusive Columbia. Through collaboration, expertise and advocacy we build bridges between city decision makers and the citizenry to spark lasting impact in Columbia’s approach to growth, ensuring it thrives for generations to come.

About the University of South Carolina’s Philosophy Department

The Philosophy Department at the University of South Carolina is committed to fostering critical thinking, social relevance, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through community engagement initiatives, the department seeks to create spaces where meaningful dialogue and exploration of ideas can flourish.

About Five Points

Five Points is one of Columbia’s most iconic and historic districts, known for its lively atmosphere, eclectic shops, restaurants, and cultural events. A hub for students, residents, and visitors alike, Five Points embodies the spirit of connection and creativity.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, create, and explore the essence of community at The Philosophy of Five Points!