Cultural Affairs - Minneapolis

A regular look at how different state and city governments promote the arts.

From the Minneapolis Cultural Affairs web site -

The Mission of Cultural Affairs is to encourage arts participation, arts support and arts making in the City of Minneapolis. The City of Minneapolis established Cultural Affairs in November 1999. In 2002, the Mayor and City Council moved Cultural Affairs to the Planning Division of CPED as a means to integrate arts programming into the City's overall goals and comprehensive plan.

Cultural Affairs staff work closely with the Minneapolis Arts Commission and share their goal of developing a strong and vital arts community throughout Minneapolis. This year, the Arts Commission and Cultural Affairs are launching a comprehensive cultural planning process that will result in the City of Minneapolis Plan for Arts and Culture a ten-year strategic plan that defines the role of the City of Minneapolis in supporting the arts and culture.

More information here.

DC Shared Space Initiative

The DC Shared Space Initiative, a donor-advised fund of The Community Foundation, is a joint project of Tides Shared Spaces, GreenSpaces Development, and a group of District-area philanthropist/activists. The Initiative is working to create high-quality workplaces in which diverse local, regional, and national nonprofits can collaboratively engage in their daily work.

The DC Shared Space Initiative is designed to help nonprofits in several ways:

-- controlling office/facility costs
-- creating long-term stability and efficiency
-- sharing space with other organizations that share your mission and/or values

More info here.

Cultural Affairs - New York

A regular look at how different state and city governments promote the arts.

From the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs web site -

The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) is dedicated to supporting and strengthening New York City's vibrant cultural life. Among our primary missions is to ensure adequate public funding for non-profit cultural organizations, both large and small, throughout the five boroughs.

DCLA also works to promote and advocate for quality arts programming and to articulate the contribution made by the cultural community to the City's economic vitality. The Department represents and serves non-profit cultural organizations involved in the visual, literary and performing arts; public-oriented science and humanities institutions including zoos, botanical gardens and historic and preservation societies; and creative artists at all skill levels who live and work within the City's five boroughs.

More info here.

Cultural Affairs - Los Angeles

A regular look at how different state and city governments promote the arts.

From the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs web site -

The goal of the Department of Cultural Affairs is to enhance the quality of life for Los Angeles' 4 million residents and 25 million annual visitors.

We accomplish this goal by generating and supporting high quality arts and cultural experiences. We ensure access to those experiences through grant making, marketing, development, communication, and building relationships with our community partners. Our challenge is to be a catalyst for the delivery of art, culture, and heritage to every neighborhood in the City of Los Angeles.

More info here.

Baltimore - Skylofts

Sky-Lofts is an artist community located in the Canton neighborhood. They have lofts available ranging from 300 SF to 3,600 SF. The building includes a 2,000 SF gallery. For more info and lots of pictures, check out their web site - skylofts.net

Hidden Petworth space - $2,000/month

The folks behind N12 Development have a recently renovated basement space available for rent - near the corner of Georgia and Upshur. Its 1,500 SF with alley access and lots of parking. Was recently used as office space.

More details here.

Cultural Affairs - San Francisco

A regular look at how different state and city governments promote the arts.

From the San Francisco Arts Commission's web site -

The San Francisco Arts Commission is the City agency that champions the arts in San Francisco. We believe that a creative cultural environment is essential to the City’s well-being. Our programs integrate the arts into all aspects of City life. The Commission was established by charter in 1932.

More info here.

Studio Space - Brentwood Art Center

The Brentwood Arts Center (BAC) is a new visual arts center located at 3901 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood, MD. MNCPPC will have a 2500s/f gallery space and a 900sf classroom on the first floor. The remaining 1700sf of space on the first floor is available studio space. The second floor will have 5500sf of studio space for rent with a 450sf gallery that will be managed by the Gateway CDC.

Their Vision -
A vibrant arts center that not only provides visual artists with a functional and safe work space, but an Arts Center that encourages programming that engages the neighboring community and the other artists in the Gateway Arts District.

Studio rents are starting at $13s/f, plus utilities. For more information or to make an appointment to see the studios call John Paradiso at 301-864-3860 ext.3.
More info here.

Cultural Affairs - Chicago

A regular look at how different state and city governments promote the arts.

From the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs web site -

Department of Cultural Affairs Overview

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs was established as a municipal department in 1984 to promote the arts, make them accessible to the widest possible audience, and market the city’s abundant and diverse cultural resources and attractions to a worldwide audience. Under the leadership of Commissioner Lois Weisberg since 1989, the department is now widely regarded as a national model for effective municipal support of the arts and culture.

By offering hundreds of high quality free exhibitions, performances and programs each year at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park and other venues throughout the city, DCA promotes the arts and makes them accessible to a remarkably wide and diverse audience. DCA visual and performing arts programs bring respected national and international artists to Chicago, presenting artistic and cultural experiences and ideas from around the world. In addition to the visual and performing arts, DCA offers culinary programs and, in 2006, added fashion events to its repertoire to reflect Chicago’s growing role in the fashion world.

The department supports artists, cultural institutions and community organizations through grants, workshops, the Chicago Artists’ Resource (CAR) website and by creating myriad opportunities to showcase their work. DCA markets Chicago as a destination for culture and entertainment through the Office of Tourism; develops global partnerships and encourages cross-cultural understanding through the Chicago Sister Cities International Program; and affirms the value of the arts to the social and economic fabric of the city.

The department consists of several divisions and venues, each charged with overseeing specific functions and programs that further the department’s mission.

More information here

Cultural Affairs - Washington

A regular look at how different state and city governments promote the arts.

From the Washington, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities web site -

Since 1968, the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) has developed and promoted local artists, organizations and activities.

Our Mission at the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities is to provide grants, programs and educational activities that encourage diverse artistic expressions and learning opportunities, so that all District of Columbia residents and visitors can experience the rich culture of our city.

DCCAH is governed by volunteers who are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council.

DCCAH provides financial support and conducts programming in three primary areas:

DC Creates Public Art - The purpose of the DC Creates Public Art Program is to provide high quality art installations and administrative support services for the public so they can benefit from an enhanced visual environment.

Arts Learning and Outreach - The purpose of the Arts Learning and Outreach Program is to provide grants, educational activities and outreach services for youth, young adults and the general public so they can gain a deeper appreciation for the arts and enhance the overall quality of their lives.

Arts Building Communities (Grants and Programs) - The purpose of the Arts Building Communities program is to provide grants, performances, exhibitions and other services to individual artists, arts organizations and neighborhood/community groups so they can express, experience and have access to the rich cultural diversity of the District.

More info here.

Baltimore - Event and Studio Space

Looking for an event space or daily studio space in Baltimore? Check out The Library in Federal Hill. Their gallery covers 1,500 SF and has 25' ceilings. Only $125 for a half day or $200 for a full day.

Small Gallery for Rent on 7th St.

Another cool space, part of Touchstone Gallery at 406 7th. Check the Craigslist ad here. Only $1,000/month!

Affordable Warehouse space - near RI Ave. Metro

Kings Ct. Management is listing a 4,000 SF space at 632 W St. NE - backing up to the train tracks, about three blocks from the Metro station. No windows, so it wouldn't work for an artist - but it could be used for a shop or for rehearsal space. Rent is $10/foot - or about $3,333/month plus utilities. For more info, send an email to mberman@his.com.

Gallery for Rent in Dupont Circle

Check out this Craigslist ad for an affordable gallery in Dupont Circle - only $1,350/month!

gallery for rent

NoMa Issues Call to Artists

The NoMa BID has issued a request for qualifications for an individual artist or design team to design, fabricate, and install permanent artwork in the public realm space in front of the of the Capitol Plaza building at 1200 First Street, NE (1st and M, NE) in Washington, D.C. The primary objective of this new initiative, NoMa Artscapes: Transforming Public Space, is to beautify and enhance the vibrancy of the streetscape, while creating a landmark that contributes to the sense of place. More info here - INFO

H STREET SHUTTLE

Have you tried the new H Street Shuttle, operated by U Street Parking and Transportation?

The Shuttle is FREE to all riders but is aimed at patrons from different areas of the city and the surrounding regions heading to H Street NE to enjoy arts, nightlife and retail destinations.

Riders should look for passenger vans with the Green and White H ST NE logo an all sides. The Shuttle will run 7 evenings a week from 5 pm until the Metro closes; 12 am Sunday through Thursday and 3 am Friday and Saturday.

Downtown Studio for sublease

Are you looking for a great studio downtown?

This space is located in a new building at 931 F St, NW, a half block away from the National Portrait Gallery and Gallery Place Metro. The space is 935 SF, and the rent is $2,000 per month, including utilities. (At present the space looks more like a gallery, rather than a messy studio, but could certainly be used for the latter).

If you'd like to find out more info, contact Richard Dana at rdana@starpower.net.

(The space could also be used as an office for an arts organization, architect, etc.)

Studio space in Kensington

O’Neill Studios, a boutique decorative painting company, has some extra studio space available in Kensington and they are looking for a working artist to join them.

200 SF for $200/month. Access to water, trash removal, and a friendly environment. For more info contact Paula Greenberg at 202-615-1888.

For Rent - Great storefront in Columbia Heights

Small storefront on 11th Street near Park Rd. next to Columbia Heights Coffee - $950.

600 sq. ft. vanilla shell, ready for tenant to build out at tenant expense. Raw space requiring some work depending on intended use. Perfect for small gallery or other creative use.

Questions or more info? write n12dc@earthlink.net

New Gallery and Studio space in Hyattsville

artdc.org is starting a gallery and studio space in Hyattsville MD. They are taking over the curatorial responsibilities of the Lustine Gallery in the Hyattsville Arts District.

artdc in Hyattsville will be a working gallery where art is presented in a professional manner while artists create art in the same space.

Some details:

* Developers have created a community center in the rehabilitated Lustine Auto Show Room which includes a 500 SF gallery with a 400 SF studio space.

* There will be 20 studio resident artists to start, with the possibility to expand in the future. Studio members will create art in the space and exhibit their work salon style in the back room.

* Resident artists will pay an annual non-refundable initiation fee of $250.00US, and an affordable monthly fee of $45.

Cool space on Florida Ave NE

Last year Conner Contemporary Art renovated a building at 1358-60 Florida Ave., NE, right around the corner from the H Street Playhouse. This leading DC gallery is using the first floor and is looking for a simpatico tenant for the second floor space - about 4,300 SF, great light, tall ceilings, concrete structure - asking $18/foot. It includes a ramp to the alley!!! (At one time this 2nd floor space was used to paint cars at Singletary's Auto Body Repairs.)
For more information, contact gallery owner Leigh Conner at info (at) CONNERCONTEMPORARY.com.

Gallery/Studio space available at 14th and T

The folks behind LISTOPAD, a style and culture emporium, are looking for a gallery or artists to join them at 14th and T NW. The third floor space (above) is located in the same building as Trina's Hair Gallery and SOM Records. Rent is $1400/month for the third floor - 900 SF. (Listopad will be occupying the second floor.) The third floor is perfect for a studio or small gallery - it is a swell, open space with great light and has a bathroom with shower. It needs some work but not too much.

Here is a link to more INFO, including a way to contact LISTOPAD.

Kennedy Center to Help Arts Programs in Economic Trouble

From the Washington Post -

The next act in Michael M. Kaiser's quest to make all arts organizations smart and healthy is about to begin.

After a string of successes rescuing arts groups from near-death, Kaiser is now enlisting Kennedy Center managers to help nonprofit arts organizations that are reeling from the recession.

"Arts in Crisis: A Kennedy Center Initiative" was announced this morning. Essentially, the program is a high-tech support service through which arts administrators can talk to the center's personnel about shrinking income, budget-conscious audiences and other difficulties in keeping the doors open.

Full article HERE.

N. Capitol St. Fire House for Sale

The Fire House at 1626 North Capitol St. NW is for sale - listed at $1.5M.

Recent plans included a restaurant by the folks behind St. Ex and a sound stage for XM radio. And then another restaurant operator from Ohio was scheduled to come in to run the restaurant.

It would make a great art space. I toured the building back in 2007 and it needed a lot of work, but it has good bones and will make for a cool finished space.

Artist Studios - 57 N St. NW has an opening

Artist Studio for Rent, 3 blocks from NY/Florida Ave Metro

400 sq ft artist studio for rent in NW, just 3 blocks from the NY/Florida Avenue Metro stop. This space includes a reception area and office with a large walk in closet. There is a hallway bathroom that is shared with other tenants on the floor (3 people).

It is a bare bones studio on the top floor of a warehouse. There are concrete floors, brick walls and plenty of windows. And it is very spacious. It also looks out over the skyline of North Capitol Street, with easy access to the roof, and a beautiful view.

The price is $500 and includes all utilities.

For more info, give them a call at 202-309-3695