Are you a creative entrepreneur or public artist looking for your next big break? Look no further than the heart of historic Salem, Massachusetts! Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the Salem Public Art Commission are excited to announce a call for artists to participate in the revitalized Artists’ Row initiative.
A Prime Location with a Rich History
Artists’ Row, located at 24 New Derby Street, is more than just a venue—it’s a piece of Salem’s living history. Originally built as a marketplace, this thriving downtown public plaza has become a vibrant cultural hub. Situated across from Old Town Hall and Derby Square, Artists’ Row offers an unparalleled opportunity for artists to showcase their work in one of the most foot-trafficked areas of Salem.
The space comprises four artist stalls, a restaurant, public restrooms, public art installations, and a long pedestrian way. This prime location ensures that participating artists interact daily with local residents and the countless visitors who flock to Salem year-round.
A Springboard for Your Creative Career
The Artists’ Row initiative is a seasonal program designed to propel creative careers to new heights. Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established creator looking to expand your audience, this program offers a unique platform to grow your business and artistic practice.
The City of Salem is committed to celebrating diversity and fostering artistic expression. Artists’ Row is more than just a marketplace—it’s a dynamic public setting where arts-related goods, performances, and activities come to life.
Current Tenants: A Glimpse into the Artistic Community
To give you an idea of the diverse and vibrant community you could be joining, let’s take a look at the current tenants and Artist in Residence:
1. Lobster Shanty: This is a local dive bar with class. It offers award-winning lobster rolls and a casual atmosphere. It’s a must-visit spot in Salem!
2. Shindig!: More than just a store, it’s a pop culture experience offering upcycled clothing, custom pins, patches, original art, and whimsical sculptures.
3. Robbersdaughter + Melon Rose Studios are two botanically based businesses sharing a studio. Melon Rose offers full-service floral designs, while Robbersdaughter specializes in striking botanical design and installation and offers nature-based art workshops.
4. ChagallPAC: An interdisciplinary art studio & gallery space featuring over 15 local artists. It offers various handmade artisan crafts, jewelry, and live music performances.
5. Julia Csekö: Salem’s Public Artist in Residence (PAiR) for 2024, Julia will present a participatory public art installation titled “Transcending Borders – Immigrant Experiences and Dreams” from June to September. She’ll also hold regular open studio hours and curate storytelling events and workshops yearly.
This eclectic mix of businesses and artists showcases the diverse opportunities at Artists’ Row.
Available Opportunities
For the upcoming season, the City of Salem is offering several exciting opportunities:
1. Three (3) studio/retail space stalls, each with a two-year tenancy agreement from January 2025 through December 2026.
2. Two (2) paid positions for Public Artists in Residence:
– One position from May to December 2025
– One position from May to December 2026
Who Should Apply?
The City is seeking artists whose work will contribute to the vibrancy of the Artists’ Row community. They welcome a wide variety of artistic expressions, including but not limited to:
– Original, uniquely produced, or hand-crafted artworks and products
– Performance art
– Art ‘happenings’ and ‘interventions’
– Live art-making demonstrations
– Temporary public art installations
A Legacy of Creativity
As you can see from the current tenants, Artists’ Row has a history of hosting diverse talented creators. This space has been a launchpad for numerous artistic careers and businesses, from culinary arts and pop culture to botanical design and interdisciplinary art.
Don’t Miss This Opportunity!
The submission deadline is Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 4 p.m. This is your chance to join Salem’s rich artistic tapestry and take your creative career to the next level.
To learn more about the Artists’ Row Initiative and how to apply, visit the City of Salem website.
Join us in making history at Salem’s Artists’ Row. Your artistic journey awaits in the heart of one of America’s most historic and culturally vibrant cities!
The Lobster Shanty
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At our heart, we are an OG Dive Bar, we’ve been serving the good people of Salem since the 1970s here in Derby Square. In recent decades we’ve added quality comfort food, fresh seafood and scratch made ingredients throughout our menu. We’ve got a great lineup of specialty cocktails and a hard-working crew to serve you. We are a true
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