During the Fall 2020 while COVID was raging and the desire to be reflective about how arts resources reach the community, the Arts Council developed a local Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) support initiative. Since then, we have released over $261,000 to the BIPOC community in forms of fellowships and project grants. Please see below some of the outcomes from this support.
Apply for Community Space:
In 2022, the Arts Council launched an activation and exhibition space at the Somerville Armory Building specifically for BIPOC artists. Since then, this space has supported over 40 groups and individual artists, offering a safe, vibrant, and free environment curated by artists of color.
We have heard from the community about the need for free creative spaces. Our objective is to support the development of BIPOC artists by providing opportunities to lead, program, and organize their space. Additionally, we provide grants on a case-by-case basis, depending on fund availability.
Features of the temporary location:
**Common Rooms:** Featuring rotating exhibitions and receptions.
**Rehearsal Room:** Available for small events, programming, workshops, meetings, rehearsals and other programming (no live music or heavy dance / performances are allowed due to neighboring tenants).
Application Process:
**Requirements:** You must register through SomArts website and schedule a walkthrough.
Inquiries for exhibition space must go through an approval process.
This initiative is dedicated to fostering a sense of safety and encouragement for BIPOC artists to thrive and showcase their talents.
To learn more please visit our SomArts page: www.somartspace.org
Or reach out to Iaritza Menjivar in our office imenjivar(a)somervillema.gov
