NEW BEDFORD — For its fourth year, the Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute (DATMA) will launch three new, free public art exhibitions plus numerous programs and initiatives with partners in New Bedford this summer.
This city-wide collaborative venture, called “SHELTER 2022-23”, will examine the history, economy, and culture of the SouthCoast region which is rooted in the value of ‘shelter’ and will cover a range of topics including today’s housing crisis, the Underground Railroad that harbored African Americans from slavery, the 9,100-foot-long hurricane barrier that protects the harbor of the nation’s most lucrative fishing port in the United States, and more.
Artists and designers invited by DATMA to present works of ‘shelter’ are Do Ho Suh from Seoul, South Korea; Rael San Fratello from Los Angeles, California; and Abeer Seikaly from Jordan.
DATMA will also present “Safe Station,” the story of New Bedford’s unique history in opposition to slavery through the lens of local artists including Fitzcarmel LaMarre and Alison Wells.
In addition, rare historic photos documenting the critical New Bedford Hurricane Protection Barrier landmark sheltering the city from natural disasters will be on show, plus over 10 additional partner programs and youth workshops relating to ‘shelter’ will be offered.
Read the full article on the Standard Times website as well as the Herald News.