Art & Cultural Events List

ArtsUnion Call: Produce an Event! Create Public Art! ArtsUnion Winter 2013 Series Union Square, Somerville Ever wish to produce your own cultural event or create public art — with funding? Here’s your opportunity! DEADLINE (postmark): Monday, November 19th About ArtsUnion Now in its eighth year ArtsUnion has been instrumental in reinvigorating the artistic and business landscape of Union Square. ArtsUnion presents numerous events and markets, and leads cultural tours. In addition, ArtsUnion has com­missioned temporary art installations, commissioned artisans to fabricate street furniture and has been instrumental in creating zoning incentives for arts-related development in the square. The Somerville Arts Council and the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development created ArtsUnion, in partnership with numerous other local organizations through funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s John and Abigail Adams Program and the City of Somerville. Call to Cultural Producers ArtsUnion is looking for creative individuals and Union Square Business owners to create, produce and manage cultural events that will take place indoors (or outdoors!) in Union Square—in businesses, public spaces or other venues—from January through March 2013. Working with the Somerville Arts Council, produc­ers will be responsible for: selecting a theme, lining up talent and/or creating activities, planning and managing the event, and helping promote the event. The Somerville Arts Council will provide a budget, determined by the needs of the event/series and marketing support. Past budgets have ranged from $400 to $1,500. The purpose of the ArtsUnion Winter Event Series is to generate cultural activity in the square helps support local businesses in winter months. We are particularly interested in bringing together Union Square businesses and Somerville community members and artists to produce events that would not otherwise take place. However, we can’t, for example, fund a band that already has a gig lined up at a music venue. Independent producers might consider partnering with an organization such as SCATV, Third Life Studios, “The Reading Room” above Bloc 11, or other Union Square businesses. Potential events/series include: hosting an independent documentary night with food provided by a local eatery or creating a poetry series at a cafe. Past examples of funded projects include: a spice tasting tour of Union Square restaurants, a beard and moustache contest a community storytelling event, and the screening and discussion of a locally made Brazilian film at SCATV. Call to Artists We are also open to proposals from artists to create new murals for the square or temporary art, light, sound or film installations. Past installations have included a computer-generated ever-changing lighting installation at Rikki’s Flower Market, projected films on sidewalks, and an interactive event in which the public were invited to create holiday tree topiary in the plaza. Past budgets have ranged from $200 to $9,000. How to Apply: Note to individual producers: please talk with Union Square businesses/organizations regarding a venue prior to submitting an application in order to confirm common interests, objectives and availability. Please provide the following information: 1. Contact info: e-mail and postal addresses, phone, fax and website (if applicable). 2. If an independent producer, which Union Square businesses/organizations do you plan to partner with? 3. Describe your theme or the objective of your event. 4. List the programmatic content of your event. 5. Tell us what day and time frame would be ideal for your event. Please tell us your first and second choice for dates. The event can take place between January 3rd,and March 31st, 2013 on a Thursday night, Friday night, Saturday day/night, or Sunday. Thursday night events are particularly encouraged. 6. Outline schedule for your event. 7. List any technical requirements. 8. Budget: how much would you need? 9. Somerville affiliation (if any). 10. If you have not worked with us previously, please describe your experience in producing cultural events. Include any appropriate websites and, if you like, send support materials; i.e., photos, CDs, press clippings, resume(s). Note: Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like your support materials returned to you. Please send your application to: Email: artscouncil.somerville@gmail.com or Mail: ArtsUnion Producers Somerville Arts Council 50 Evergreen Ave. Somerville, MA 02145 We encourage you to call or email to discuss any ideas: Phone: 617-625-6600 x2985 (ask for Heather, Rachel, Greg or Vera) -- www.somervilleartscouncil.org