Open Studio Weekend
Posted on April 30, 2009
Filed Under IN THE KNOW, CULTURAL MUSINGS, VISUAL ARTS
In the current economic state, many companies can’t afford to keep paying sky-high rental prices in the Financial District of Manhattan. With dozens of empty storefronts and office space littering the downtown area, The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) saw an opportunity to turn the unused space into a free studio spaces for 29 emerging visual artists and writers.
This weekend, the LMCC presents Open Studio Weekend featuring its signature Workspace Studio Residency program. The artists and writers that began their Workspace residency in September 2008 will show new work during an opening reception, open hours at the studios, and a Saturday evening Open Texts reading. Also featured will be new work by French Exchange artist Davide Balula, in residence for six months through a partnership with the Mayor’s Office of the City of Paris.
Changing what it means to “work” in the Financial District, Workspace serves visual
artists and writers working in all media from painting to video, sculpture to
photography, poetry to playwriting in unique spaces generously donated by the
Downtown real estate community. The LMCC recently honored their generous partners Capstone Equities, Goldman Sachs & Co, JP Morgan, Trinity Real Estate, Time Equities, and many, many others at The Downtown Dinner on April 20th, 2009. LMCC recognized the importance of this major contribution to the artistic revitalization of Lower Manhattan. Featuring an outstanding performance by Rashaad Newsome and installations by Hanna Sandin , along with a Secret Sale of artists’ work, the evening was a highlight of how art and commerce can truly work together.
Shade Compositions by Rashaad’s talented and fierce group of ladies. Photo by Paul Porter.
Admission is free, but RSVP is required, so check out LMCC Open Studios for more event information and to sign up for the events.
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