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

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:

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 application, deadline March 29: (download pdf app)
Talent Call (coming soon)
Community Vendor application (coming soon)

ArtBeat Archive:

Somerville...Of the Future
2009

2008Green
2008

2007ArtBeast
2007

  2006reCycle/reNew
2006

2005Mix & Mash
2005

2004Play
2004

2003Spaces/Places
2003

 

Food
2002








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