8th Annual DownStreet Art Festival
Dates: June 25 – September 24, 2015 
DownStreet Art Thursdays (Exhibition Openings) - June 25, July 30, August 27, September 24
About DownStreet Art
DownStreet art is a program of MCLA Berkshire Cultural Resource Center (BCRC) a non-profit organization that provides professional development, training, resources and support to the artists, art managers and creative workers of Berkshire County. DownStreet Art is a public art project designed to revitalize downtown North Adams, a post-industrial city in the Berkshires of Western, MA (also home to MASS MoCA). Our mission is to promote artistic excellence, build economic and social capital and encourage the dialogue between our community and the arts. DownStreet Art does this by bringing professional artists and performers to venues throughout downtown North Adams, enlivening Main Street, increasing visitors, enhancing liveablility, and encouraging resident participation.
Now in it’s 8th year DownStreet Art is a Summer-long arts festival that takes place in temporary and vacant spaces in down town North Adams. Since its inception in 2008 over 125,000 visitors have experienced DownStreet Art’s galleries and performances. 
This year, DownStreet Art is especially interested in proposals from artists and curators that will activate DownStreet Art beyond “DownStreet Art Thursday’s”. Examples would include proposals that have an ongoing interactive element, temporary outdoor installations, exhibitions that encourage participation or proposals for works-in-progress that will culminate in a performance or exhibition opening.
DownStreet Art is an excellent opportunity to have your work/project showcased in an art-friendly community and to be part of a larger discourse about contemporary art.
DownStreet Art 2015 SCHEDULE
Sunday, April 5:  Deadline
Friday, April 30:  DownStreet Art contacts artists with jury’s decisions.  
May/June:  DownStreet Art continues to consult with accepted artists as necessary about specifics of their projects.
June – September: Exhibitions range from 1 – 4 months, with exhibition openings or happenings taking place on one or more of the following dates – June 24th, July 30, August 27, September 25.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
We are seeking quality work in all media including but not limited to, drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, performance and multi-discipline work.  
DownStreet Art is especially interested in proposals from artists and curators that will activate DownStreet Art beyond “DownStreet Art Thursday’s”. Examples would include proposals that have an ongoing interactive element, temporary outdoor installations, exhibitions that encourage participation or proposals for works-in-progress that will culminate in a performance or exhibition opening.
If you are proposing new work for inclusion in DownStreet Art, please submit examples of similar work and at least one sketch of the proposed work.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
• Work must have been created within the past three years
• The jury will select the artists to include in the exhibition by April 30.   
EXHIBIT INFORMATION
For selected artists or projects, DownStreet art provides the location, marketing and staffing for the duration of the exhibit.
The Artist/Curator is responsible for the cost of delivering or shipping the work; to assist with installation and de-installation of the exhibit; and to participate in education community engagement activities as possible. If you are requesting financial support for your project please provide a budget and description of any additional funding.  Note: DownStreet art may provide very limited funding in support of a project if funds are available.
All work must be received ready for installation.
DownStreet Art reserves the right to refuse work if it varies significantly from the submitted image and the criteria upon which it was initially accepted, or if the work is improperly presented or considered unsafe.
PUBLICITY
DownStreet Art will provide a press release and promote programs and events through a variety of channels including: brochures, posters, flyers, maps, print & social media, and our website, downstreetart.org.
LIABILITY

1. DownStreet Art agrees to provide insurance coverage against damage or loss of the artwork during the exhibition .  Work not retrieved by the stated contract dates will not be insured.  Value of artwork will be 70% of stated sale price.
2. If artwork is damaged or lost, Artist will need to provide a formal estimate of the artwork vale such as history of sales for works similar to the work damaged or lost.

SALES

1. DownStreet Art shall compensate the Artist 70% (seventy percent) of the selling price.
2. DownStreet Art shall retain a commission of 30% (thirty percent) of any sale conducted through the exhibition.

 
DownStreet Art reserves the right to use the images of accepted works for publicity and educational purposes.  All artwork must be original. 
Questions about DownStreet Art or the submission process should be directed to Berkshire Cultural Resource Center's Program Coordinator, Michelle Daly Michelle.daly@mcla.edu  or 413-663-5253
 
 
 

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

Print this Page    View Rules & Terms to Apply