Springfield Cultural District Seeking Unconventional Gallery Proposals

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Central Cultural District (SCCD) has issued a call to artists for a unique opportunity in downtown Springfield. The cultural district is searching for artists to host a solo show and sell their work in one of three locations downtown: New England Public Radio (NEPR), SilverBrick Lofts, and 1550 Main. Applications are due on Thursday, Sept. 1.

The request for proposals asks for proposals from artists of all mediums to show their work from October to December 2016. Requirements to what the art should look like are fairly laid-back, to best enable creative expression. All art will be available for sale during the display period, with 100% of proceeds going directly back to the creator.

The gallery spaces range from a small community meeting space at NEPR which has been used for its youth arts program MediaLab and yoga classes, to the highly visible first-floor lobby of 1550 Main trafficked by hundreds of people daily, to a large community space at SilverBrick Lofts housing two mammoth, historic boilers. The SCCD hopes artists will draw inspiration from these differing spaces.

“The idea to create unconventional gallery spaces in the cultural district really sprung out of being asked by the host locations for ways to activate their community rooms,” said SCCD Director Morgan Drewniany. “By placing work, whether it be a 2D painting or a 3D installation, in these spaces, it challenges employees and residents downtown to open their eyes and perhaps linger to look at the art, and provides an opportunity for local artists.”

A joint reception will be held among the three locations in early October, with artist talks, street art, and performances between the locations to encourage walking, as well as light food and drinks, all provided by the SCCD and hosts for the artists.

The request for proposal and more details on this program can be found at springfieldculture.org/artistresources. Any questions can be forwarded to Drewniany at [email protected] or (413) 454-1195.

The Springfield Central Cultural District, which encompasses an area of the metro center of Springfield, is membership-based, involving many of the downtown arts institutions. Its mission is to create and sustain a vibrant cultural environment in Springfield.