Call for Artists! Announcing the Activating Vacancy Arts Incubator

[bc] is excited to announce the launch of the call for artists for the Activating Vacancy Arts Incubator (AVAI), a new art and public interest design initiative in Market Square, the center of Historic Downtown Brownsville. This program will create a viable means for artists to thrive in a region were attaining basic needs can be a struggle. The incubator will provide a catalytic hub for Downtown Brownsville and the arts, creating a platform for artistic production and collaboration between artists and the community. AVAI begins Spring 2016 and is produced and curated by [bc] in partnership with the City of Brownsville.

Three selected artists will be provided with studio space in the Historic San Fernando building in which they will complete a six month-long residency. Beyond producing new work in this unique setting, artists and designers will investigate, strengthen, and share this area’s rich history, engage in the development of a physical and social framework for cultural activities, and plan for the renewal and growth of the neighborhood. Artists will collaborate with the local community to create installations, performances, or other artistic actions exploring the cultural, social, political and economic life of this historic area.

Artists who apply should demonstrate a strong interest in social justice and desire to work collaboratively with neighborhood residents to formulate project proposals which unite residents from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds. Artists with relevant work experience are encouraged to share examples which exhibit an ability to thoughtfully explore political and cultural topics such as urban development, historic preservation, vacancy, and the culture and identity of the border. More information about the residency can be found here, the application is available online here.

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.