Apply: Community and Event Space for BIPOC Artists
In 2022, the Arts Council launched a Pop-up event and exhibition space at the Armory Building for local BIPOC artists. In the past 1.5 years this space has served over 15 groups or artists. The goal has been to support programming, provide temporary space, and funds to this community of artists. This initiative aims to provide a safe, vibrant, and free space to be curated by artists of color. The pop-up location features variety of spaces: a common room where there are new exhibitions on a rotational basis and a larger room that can be reserved for small events, lectures, workshops, and any programming that serves the local BIPOC arts community. Funds are provided depending on the programming and availability of funds. There is an application and interview process required before booking the space. This initiative aims to support the development of BIPOC artists to lead, program and organize an environment that creates a sense of safety and encouragement.

Expectations:
  • This space and projects is overseen by the Somerville Arts Council (SAC). applicants are expected and required to check-in with SAC staff during the progress of your booking and exhibition time 
  • Applicants are required to share promotion information with SAC and add joint collaboration credit and SAC logo to promo materials.
  • This is a temporary opportunity and space while the Armory Building goes through the Master Plan that will determine the future use of the building.
  • Curators and artists must respect and abide to the Armory and City building occupancy rules and be respectful of neighboring tenants inside and outside the building.
Timeline: Application is open on a rolling basis.

Questions? Contact Iaritza Menjivar at imenjivar@somervillema.gov
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Large Room can be booked as a small event space. (Theater Performance / Reading with Dayenne Walters, 2023).
The Common Rooms are used as a rotating exhibition space. (The paintings on the wall are by artist Michael Talbot).
More information:
There are two space available:
  1. The common rooms are to be used as an exhibition space and areas where people can co-work, meetings
  2. The large room can be booked as a small event space. Including: Lectures, workshops, meetings, mindfulness session space, performance as rehearsals, theater reading.
  • Primary applicants and project leads need to identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of color). (We are looking for BIPOC Curators to lead the initiative and can be supported by non-BIPOC identifying individuals; project must serve all communities and make a special effort to be inclusive of diverse audiences).
  • This opportunity is for artists, curators, and/or event organizers preference given to artists in Somerville (living or working), or with strong ties to Somerville.
  • Applicant is responsible for installation/deinstallation and providing gallery sitters
  • Applicant is responsible for all exhibition, workshop and/or event supplies
  • No catered or open fire foods or alcoholic beverages allowed per use of public and city space regulations
  • Space cannot be used for music rehearsal space or live music performances due to neighboring tenants
Name (First and Last) *
Email *
Phone Number *
What is your Somerville connection? (select all that apply)
 *
Required
Which art disciplines best describes your work? *
Required
Which rooms are you interested in? *
Required
A short paragraph explaining your intention for the use of the space / proposal. *
Any social media, website, online portfolio that you can share with us. *
Reception for "Expansion of the Garden" with artist Michael Talbot, 2023.
Neuroscientist, artist, and writer Joshua  Sariñana conduces a meeting in the event space, 2023.
Curator Lou Lim conduced workshops and an exhibition. He invited local artisans and craft vendors to decorate the spaces, all items were for sale, 2022.
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