AMHERST – The Arts Extension Service of UMass is offering a FREE public art workshop for artists, focused on how to engage communities in arts-based projects and programming, to build stronger communities, encourage participation in the arts, and impact key social issues.
The event in Westfield will take place at Westfield Creative Arts located in the Rinnova Building at 150 Elm St, Westfield, MA Monday October 1st beginning at 5:30 PM.
Attendees will learn about the innovative community-engaged art projects happening nationwide, best practices, and the work required to create an art project that ethically engages a community. Community-engaged public art projects, whether student designed murals, participatory installations or performances, or arts education opportunities for underserved communities, are excellent opportunities for Western Massachusetts artists to harness the power of art to bring people together across barriers and set the table to create a broad social impact. Leading these projects takes special skills.
In this evening long workshop, artists will receive a broad overview of how to: identify opportunities for public art and socially-engaged projects, begin collaborations and partnerships, and develop art projects that truly reflect the needs and interests of the communities involved.
The workshops will take place in four different locations, on four different dates, with varied start times, to enable attendance across communities. Artists may attend the workshop that fits their schedule. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required.
Pre-register by contacting AES at [email protected] or 413-545-2360. Contact Program Coordinator Terre Vandale with additional questions and media inquiries at [email protected].
For more information visit: https://www.umass.edu/aes/newsandevents/announcing-community-engagement-artists-workshops-fall
The Community Engagement for Artists workshop is part of the UMass Amherst Arts Extension Service’s Arts Entrepreneurship Initiative which serves artists through intensive workshops on the business of art, courses, publications, and an internship program to connect UMass and 5 College arts and culture students with individual artists and arts organizations.
These trainings are funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Westfield Cultural Council, Amherst Cultural Council, Easthampton Cultural Council, Springfield Cultural Council, and UMass Amherst.
