Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Somerville Arts Council present:

During the heat of summer (held on the third weekend in July), artists and festival goers converge on Davis Square, transforming it into one of the area's largest and most innovative arts festivals. ArtBeat includes music, performance art, craft vendors, dance, theater, food, and a whole more. Each year we develop a theme that serves as a launching point for artists and the community to express themselves. Take a look at our previous festivals.

ArtBeat: July 16&17 2010

2010 theme: WATER

Wet, cool, blue. Water is both life sustaining and a force of nature— and we think, an appropriate theme for a steamy summer festival! We encourage artists to explore water in its many forms—rain, puddles, ponds, oceans, ice floes. Or consider how we trap, transport and market water—via damns, pipes and fancy designer bottles. We hope environmentalists will address shrinking water supplies, the politics of water and water pollution. Conversely, we also hope some artists interpret the theme more playfully, exploring water-related activities like fishing, surfing and sailing. Provocative interpretations are also encouraged: Will Somerville's Mystic River be home to hydroponic farmers in years to come? Will Davis Square be under water in 2500? Water has inspired artists for centuries— consider J.M.W. Turner’s tempestuous seas or Handel’s Water music—we anticipate your creative interpretations!

2010 Calls/Applications:

Craft Vendor & Talent applications have closed (see you next year)

Community Vendor application, have closed (see you next year)

2010 Business Sponsors:

Wish to be a part of a great community festival, reach 15,000 people, and help ensure the festival is a success? We need your business sponsorship. We offer varying levels of sponsorship. Download our packet and learn more about how you gain exposure while benefiting the festival. If you have questions, please contact Gregory Jenkins at gjenkins[at]somervillema.gov

Business Sponsorship Info, (download pdf here)

ArtBeat Archive:
Somerville...Of the Future 2009	Green 2008	ArtBeast 2007		reCycle/reNew 2006
Mix & Mash 2005	Play 2004	Spaces/Places 2003		Food 2002