DownStreet Art Calls for Guest Curators

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  There's still time to apply for a guest curator position with the DownStreet Art project, which will run for four months beginning this summer.

The public art project, which brings art exhibits into available and open spaces in the downtown area, began in 2008. According to organizers, nearly 15,000 visitors came downtown and through the doors of galleries and exhibits in 2008, and nearly 20,000 visitors came last year.

Guest curators will be responsible for installing the exhibit(s); marketing the gallery, artists and exhibits; and may need to provide staffing. DownStreet Art will negotiate the terms of each space with the landlord, market the program as a whole, provide online marketing for the individual gallery, process all sales of art, and provide staffing for some spaces.

DownStreet Art runs for four months from the end of June through mid-October. It begins with a kick-off celebration on June 24; holds three “DownStreet Art Thursdays” (with all galleries hosting opening receptions and downtown performances); and culminates with the North Adams Open Studios weekend on October 17.

At this time, the number of available/empty spaces is still to be determined, so the number of open spots for guest curators isn't yet known.

If you are interested in becoming a guest curator, go to www.DownStreetArt.org.

It's recommended that applicants visit downtown North Adams and familiarize themselves with the project's mission, past exhibition program, and consider how their exhibition will help propel DownStreet Art forward. The application deadline is Monday, April 5.

Applications should include: a cover letter, resume detailing curatorial experience, a proposal (two to four pages) describing the concept for the exhibition, a description of the artists' work and content, examples of artwork, an inventory list, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of materials.

Send applications to c/o DownStreet Art, MCLA’s Berkshire Cultural Resource Center, 51 Main St., North Adams, MA 01247.