ISD Inspires New Era for Non-Profit Art Space in Boston
Boston
is not particularly well known for being a safe haven for experimental
art. But as the Berwick Research Institute approaches its fourth year
of operation, Berwick artists and all-volunteer staff are working
diligently to ensure that the non-profit visual and performance art
space will continue to provide a sanctuary for community-based film,
dance, robotics, sound, performance, conceptual and new media art in
Dudley Square.
Recent months have seen great victories for the
organization, bringing respect and accolades from important members of
the Boston arts community. The Berwick has seen a notable increase in
favorable press attention since January, when the artists' space won
the largest monetary award given to an arts organization by the
prestigious LEF Foundation. The grant was given to develop the
Berwick's innovative Artist in Research residency program. Since
receiving the award, the Berwick has hosted three site-specific
artist's projects, while simultaneously expanding its footprint to
include affordable studio space for artists working in new media. One
of the artists in residence, Aliza Shapiro and her group of
architectural designers, PodLab, spent the month of May developing new
plans for the exhibition space, which will improve the safety and
handicap-accessibility of the gallery.
The growing strength and
notoriety that the Berwick has gained over the past year is sure to
help the group manage a new challenge that presented itself on Friday
when the gallery was temporarily closed by officials from Boston's
Inspectional Services Department. The ISD informed the artists that
the building in which they rent a space had fire-code, zoning, and
occupancy issues that needed to be addressed. Several violations were
immediately rectified upon the arrival of the ISD officials, and a full
inspection of the building on Wednesday will determine what other
changes the building's owner, Nicholas Spelios, needs to make in order
to bring the building into compliance with the city's code.
In
addition to the Berwick, the building is also home to a number of
artist studios, grass-roots community activist organizations, religious
groups, and neighborhood businesses. Spelios has made a conscious
effort to provide these burgeoning community-oriented enterprises with
a comfortable and supportive space. "This building has always had an
important place in Dudley Square's history, but its current role is
just as vital," points out Katya Gorker, a founding member of the
Berwick. "It's a multi-use space that serves a variety of purposes and
a variety of audiences. Mr. Spelios could make a fortune renting or
selling this property to commercial interests but he chooses to rent to
us instead because of his dedication to the community."
Spelios
and members of the Berwick attended a hearing with the ISD on Tuesday
to discuss the zoning and fire-code breaches in the former cake
factory. Berwick members feel optimistic about the outcome of the
hearing and their interaction with city officials. The timing of the
ISD hearing may actually be auspicious for the organization, which has
been preparing to gather resources and funds to implement the new
PodLab plans. As news of the city's pressure on the space spreads, the
community is showing their support for the organization. "In the past
few days I've received many phone calls from city officials, artists,
producers, other art spaces, community organizers, and audience members
asking how they can help," says Meg Rotzel, the Berwick's Director.
"We need to raise money for our improvements, and we always welcome
volunteers, especially assistance from people with special expertise.
This is an opportunity to become involved in the arts community and
have a direct impact on the cultural climate of Boston."
All
Berwick programming scheduled for the month of July will be re-located
or postponed, including a performance by the internationally regarded
sound artist Francisco Lopez, curated by local experimental music
series, Non-Event; "Effigy," a new stage production by renowned
artist/activist Nomy Lamm; and a sound and video exhibition by Dudley
Square-based youth program, Arts in Progress. For updates on the
status of Berwick events, please refer to the organization's website. Anyone interested in donating funds to complete the new architectural design, please contact the Berwick Programming Director, Meg Rotzel.
Kudos
to the Berwick staff for downplaying dissing Boston's lack of arts
friendliness in lieu of highlighting the institute's contributions to
the local arts and business community. That's a good strategy to seek
support! posted by Heath Row at 5:59 PM | link |
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