North Adams Vacant Downtown Window Art Project
NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— This June, North Adams' downtown vacant storefront windows are set to receive a new collection of artwork from local artists, with the intention of beautifying the city.
Existing artwork will be printed on banners which will fill each available street-level window. Artists from all mediums including, but not limited to drawing, painting, graphic design, fiber, ceramics, sculpture, photography, are encouraged to apply, and will receive a stipend for their contributions if their work is selected.
"These banners are an amazing way for local artists to gain recognition for their art, and they add so much life to the empty windows downtown", said Anna Farrington, one of the program organizers and a downtown gallery owner.
The empty storefront banners have been beautifying downtown North Adams since the summer of 2019. The program was inspired by a similar initiative implemented in the city of Cambridge and the first round of banners was installed as an extension of the MCLA DownStreet Art events.
"The window banners are the perfect opportunity to support and highlight local artists and current/former MCLA students, all of whom contribute leaps and bounds to our local economy and make North Adams the creative and unique place it is.", said Nicholas Rigger, Assistant Director of MCLA Arts & Culture. Placement of this year's window art will be on Main and Eagle Streets.
The purpose of this program is to unite artists and businesses to help create a more vibrant downtown North Adams.
"It's an honor to be involved as a producer and supporter of this project. I can clearly envision a (near) future where all storefronts in downtown North Adams are filled and bustling with local businesses, residents and visitors," said Andrew Fitch, who helps produce this program and has donated nine windows of one of his buildings for the program's use this year. "Until all of our downtown commercial spaces are renovated and activated, I think it's important to fill the windows with expressions of hope and creativity."
The iniciative is supported by 1Berkshire and the City of North Adams. This year, 1Berkshire launched a new pilot program to support the installation of printed vinyl artwork in vacant downtown buildings in Berkshire communities. The City of North Adams successfully applied for this grant, and secured building windows for art placement. Mayor of North Adams, Jennifer Macksey said,
"We are extremely thankful for our local artists and all they bring to our City,"Mayor Jennifer Macksey said. "This project is something to be proud of and we couldn't make it happen without the generous business owners donating their windows. I look forward to viewing this year's Vacant Window Art."
Artists with a strong connection to North Adams are encouraged to apply for this program by submitting 1-3 examples of their existing art by Wednesday, May 10.
Submission details:
The City of North Adams is seeking artists to fill vacant and/or under-utilized storefront windows with reproduction files of original artwork. Artists from all mediums including, but not limited to drawing, painting, graphic design, fiber, ceramics, sculpture, photography, are encouraged to apply. Artwork will be two-dimensionally printed on vinyl banners and installed in storefront windows. Therefore, if not already digital, artwork must be digitized with the understanding of the display method. Submissions must be high-resolution JPEG attachments and artists are allowed to submit up to three (3) works for consideration.
Thirteen artists will be chosen and each artist will receive an honorarium of $200. All installation and production costs will be completed by the city at no cost to the artist.
By submitting, you agree to provide us with a high-resolution image for production. Image file(s) will need to be greater than 2 megabytes. In addition, selected artists agree to allow their artwork to be used in promotional materials by the City of North Adams. Upon the end of the window installation, the City will retain ownership of the vinyl banners.
All submissions must be made to tourism@northadams-ma.gov and include:
- Name
- Artist's connection to North Adams
- Phone Number
- Artist statement (2-4 sentence paragraph)
- Link to an online portfolio, website, or social media link to post on signage
- JPEG image submission of work(s). Up to three (3) images
Timeline
- April 22: Open Call Begins
- May 10: Deadline for Submission
- May 12: Decision Notification
All submissions and questions can be directed to tourism@northadams-ma.gov. Artists will be notified of a decision on May 12 via email.
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