Our new HQ on Purchase Street has been bustling in preparation for the upcoming season of public art. We want to give a big shout out of thanks to Frankenthaler Climate Initiative for our new lighting systems throughout our facilities. We’ll continue to share updates about our studio upgrades that will benefit our artist community by providing studio access and tools. We are far from meeting the match for our MassDevelopment Co-Work Grant of $17,000 that will allow us to buy equipment and studio needs for our artist-in-residence program to start next year. If you’re able, make a gift and help us make our match! Here’s a great shot of the skilled team from the city’s Facilities & Fleet Management installing the goods.
Now with space to spread out in our community room or to sew in the artist studio, production of our Pride piece is well underway. The timing couldn’t be more urgent with the political climate heating up. However, we still have a long way to go until we have enough panels to cover the front of City Hall. We hope you will reach out to us if you’re interested in being part of the making of public art. Learn how you can get involved.
It’s more important than ever for our community to collaborate in making the SouthCoast’s first large-scale artwork honoring our LGBTQIA+ residents.
There are a few ways you can help:
- We need materials, ESPECIALLY BOAT SAILS. Paint rollers, paint, and brushes- also great. Boat sails are the primary material in the project. We go through it quickly. Reach out to our project manager, Amanda Hawkins at [email protected] to coordinate your drop off or simply come by M-F between 10am-4pm.
- We need scaffolding. Due to the lack of federal grant support for this LGBTQ project, we have reduced project funding and renting scaffolding has become a financial burden. Reach out if you have ideas, resources, or contact with a company who will allow us to borrow it for 14 days.
- We need more people to help make this! Calling all artists, residents, members of the queer community, family members, and allies. It’s a very simple and open-ended assignment. All skill-levels are welcome. All artists and organizations that help contribute a panel to the artwork will have their name included in the credits.