City-Wide Open Studios announces its 14th season in 2011!
Welcome to the 2011 City-Wide Open Studios—providing opportunities for artists and visitors to connect via open studios, exhibitions, events, and our dynamic website.
This October, join hundreds of fellow artists and share your work and ideas over three consecutive weekends. Be part of an exhibition the size of a city!
Register Now: The deadline for registration for the City-Wide Open Studios Festival is Monday, September 6. In order to have an image of your work included in the Official Map & Guide, and be included in the central exhibition at Artspace, you must register by September 6, and have plans to be in your studio during one of the Festival weekends.
Details about how to register for CWOS, find temporary studio space, or apply to participate in the Alternative Space are listed below. In addition, you will also find a section with FAQs and Dates to Remember. Most of your questions can be answered here.
Become an artist member of Artspace and enjoy discounted fees on opportunities year round
The City-Wide Open Studios Festival is one of many opportunities organized by Artspace to support visual artists. It is possible to participate in CWOS without being a member of Artspace, but we hope you will consider joining. Not only will the costs of the festival be lower, but you will pay lower fees whenever you take part in events and programs throughout the year. As a member you will receive a discounted CWOS registration fee, discounts on future Artspace events, and unlimited submissions to upcoming open calls at no additional charge.
If you wish to participate in CWOS as a non-member you will not have a searchable online artist profile or have the option of uploading images. Artspace will need your statement (50 words or less), bio/cv, and 3 images sent to cwos@artspacenh.org with CWOS + your name in the subject line. This information will be used by Artspace to create your listing in the 2011Official Map & Guide.
Festival Exhibition at Artspace
All artists that register by September 6 (regardless of which weekend you select) are invited to show a work in the Festival Exhibition at Artspace, which opens October 12 and continues through October 30. It is also the location of The City-Wide Grand Opening Reception, Friday, October 14. The reception is free, the DJ is great, and all artists and their guests are invited!
Please select a small (18" x 18 "x 18") recently made, representative work for the exhibition. Tell us whether you need a wall or pedestal.
The artwork drop off will be held at Artspace on October 7, 8, 9, and 10. The hours are: Friday , Oct 7 : Noon - 8pm, Saturday October 8, Noon - 5pm, Sunday, October 9: 4 - 8pm, and Monday, October 10: Noon - 6pm.
If you have any questions, or difficulty registering online, please plan to download a registration form, complete by hand, and mail it with your registration fee(s) to Artspace. The form will be available in August. You are also welcome to email cwoshelp@artspacenh.org.
What is new in 2011?
More performances and parties! This year, we are encouraging artists to schedule happenings, demonstrations, performances, and talks in their studios. We will work with interested artists to create a lively and comprehensive weekend schedule to help attract more visitors and to encourage them to experience more sites.
Professional Encounters: A series for artists to interact with arts professionals, and take part in useful barter and exchange of ideas with other artists.
An I-phone App. We are partnering with Roammeo.com, a local developer of an urban search app. Registered artists will be able to post updates to their studio information, list special events, Visitors will be able to obtain CWOS maps on their I-phones to facilitate their explorations.
A special passport will be designed for studio visitors to use and fill during the middle weekend, making them eligible for a specially commissioned print.
All artists who sign up to participate in the Festival will be invited to a private closing celebration party to help ring in our 15th year. It will take place at the Yale Art Gallery!
And some new rules (sorry!): After years of storing artists work in our basement, we no longer can do this. Any artwork left after November 3 will be subject to a rental charge. Artists will be charged $5/day.
Introducing the CWOS Team.
In an effort to provide the best support to participating artists, each weekend will have its own organizer(s). We are pleased to welcome the following individuals to CWOS this year:
Erector Square weekend: Martha Lewis: Martha@artspacenh.org
Martha is a painter and printmaker who has maintained a studio at Erector Square for the 6 years. She serves as Education Curator at Artspace, where she most recently organized the exhibition SCRAWL. Her work can be seen at www.marthalewis.com. She will be assisted by volunteer Meaghan Monaghan, Conservation Fellow at the Yale Art Gallery.
Private Studio “Passport” weekend: hawesbarbara@sbcglobal.net. Barbara has been the director of Hull’s Gallery, where she developed and ran an exhibition program dedicated to artists living and working in New Haven.
The Alternative Space weekend will be coordinated by Kyle Skar, who will be joining the team September 1. Kyle is a community-based architect who recently completed a VISTA fellowship at Dwight Hall at Yale, where he developed its partnership with Coop High School. He will be reachable at kyleskar@artspacenh.org after September 1.
The Volunteer Coordinator for all three CWOS weekends is Lizzy Star. She will serve as liaison to help match volunteers with Festival projects requiring help. If you are interested in volunteering contact Lizzy at Lizzy@artspacenh.org
· Why should I participate in City-Wide Open Studios?
- If you are new to the area, CWOS is an incredible way to meet the large community of artists living and working in Greater New Haven, to introduce your work to local audiences and to receive feedback.
- If you have participated in CWOS before, we hope you will use this year's event as a way to move your practice forward in solidarity with your fellow artists, and in so doing make the visual arts community as visible as it can be.
FAQs
· How do I register?
In order to complete your City-Wide Open Studios Festival registration you must complete the following 4 steps:
1. Register either as an artist with an existing, active, online profile, or (re) establish an online membership, or sign up as a non-member. If you wish to participate in CWOS as a non-member, skip to Number 4).
a) Visit www.cwos.org and click “Register As An Artist” on the left side of page to register as an artist. ($50 fee, $30 discount for Artspace members).We are consolidating our membership categories this year and either the CWOS and Artspace registration will provide you the same entree to an online profile, plus discounted pricing on workshops, submission fees, and tickets to events year round.
b) If you already have an online profile, login to your account and make sure that your registration is renewed. (If your account needs to be renewed it will indicate this on the top of the page when you login. This renewal will allow you the $30 Artspace member discount on the CWOS registration fee.)
2. Complete or Update Main Profile a) Login to your account and click on “My Artist Profile” on the left side of page.
b) Select “Main Profile” at the top of the page.
c) Complete or update your profile, including your statement (50 words or less), bio/cv, mediums, key words etc. PLEASE keep the statements to 50 words or less. Anything longer cannot be printed in the guide.
d) This information will be used by Artspace to create your listing in the 2011Official Map & Guide
3. Upload Portfolio Images
a) Login to your account and click on “My Artist Profile” on the left side of page.
b) Click on “Add Portfolio Images” at the top of the page. Add up to 20 images of your work. We encourage you to include at least one image of your studio or you in your workspace.
c) The Artspace staff will choose one image from your profile to include in the printed Map & Guide. If the image is not black & white, we will convert it to black & white. The Artspace staff will select the image which, in our judgment, works best in a black & white format.
4) Register for the CWOS Festival and Exhibition and Indicate your Exhibition Preference
a) Login to your account and click on “My Artist Profile” on the left side of page.
b) Click on “Exhibition Options” in green letters at the top of the page.
c) Indicate whether you will need a pedestal space or wall space for the Main Exhibition
d) Select the weekend that you will participate in CWOS.
If you wish to participate in CWOS as a non-member you will not have a searchable online artist profile or have the option of uploading images. Artspace will need your statement (50 words or less), bio/cv, and 3 images sent to cwos@artspacenh.org with CWOS + your name in the subject line. This information will be used by Artspace to create your listing in the 2011Official Map & Guide.
Which weekend should I participate in?
- In our first weekend, October 14-15, we will feature artists with studios at Erector Square, New Haven’s largest studio complex, in the former Erector Set factory. Erector Square is also making a limited number of their unrented spaces available for the weekend.
- During our second weekend, October 22-23, we will highlight artists in their individual studios and small studio complexes. , Unlike previous years, the City will not be divided into East and West and instead, visitors will be invited to explore across the entire map on whichever day is best for them. You have the option to open both days, or select one of the days that works best for you. This weekend will feature a schedule of artist demonstrations and performances; interested artists should reach Please note, West Haven’s West Cove Studios has some space available for interested artists
- The culminating weekend, October 29-30 will take place in the Alt Space, at Coop Center for Creativity, located across the street from Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School near the corner of College and Crown Streets in downtown New Haven. The two-story mid-century building offers a mix of office spaces and storefronts (Ashley’s Ice Cream, Cooper’s Dress Shop got their start here…) that will feature roughly 60 artists. Due to space constraints, artists will share spaces. There are interesting passageways, changing rooms, a walk-in cooler, etc. that lend themselves to site-specific responses. Preference will be given to artists without access to a local studio and who can make a commitment to create immersive, installation-based work. Approximately 50% of the space will be devoted to site-specific work. Access to the space will begin early October. It will be open for several weeks for artists to be able to conceive and mount their installations and be part of a temporary community of other artists. All questions about the Alt Space can be addressed to Kyle Skar after September 1 atkyleskar@artspacenh.org
What if I just want an online artist profile but do not want to participate in the City-Wide Open Studios Festival?
Artspace welcomes the participation of artists through a range of options. Your Artspace membership offers you an online profile and the possibility of submitting proposals and slides throughout the year at no charge. Separately, your CWOS registration offers you the opportunity to exhibit at Artspace in October, and be listed in the Official Festival Map & Guide.
Can I participate in the CWOS festival without becoming a member of Artspace?
Yes. You are not required to be a member of Artspace to participate in the CWOS festival and exhibition. You will pay the $50 entry fee, and the “a la carte” cost of any additional services, for example the non-member fee for a studio at the alt space. You will be featured in the Official Guide and be able to show work at Artspace in the festival exhibition but will not be searchable through the online member site.
If you wish to participate in CWOS as a non-member you will not have a searchable online artist profile or have the option of uploading images. Artspace will need your statement (50 words or less), bio/cv, and 3 images sent to cwos@artspacenh.org with CWOS + your name in the subject line. This information will be used by Artspace to create your listing in the 2011Official Map & Guide.
How do I rent a space, or apply for the Alt Space?
After you register as a CWOS Festival participant, contact the following people to secure a space rental or apply to participate in the Alt Space:
Weekend 1 (October 15-16) - Erector Square
Contact Kathi Telman at 203-865-5055 or erectorsquare@yahoo.com to rent a studio.
Weekend 2 (October 22-23) - Private Studios/Small Complexes
West Cove Studio & Gallery along with A-Space Gallery will provide alternative space for CWOS registered artists. 10,000 sq. ft. of space is available. For further information contact Roy Smith at (609) 638-8501 or rts3rd@hotmail.com.
Weekend 3 (October 29-30) - Alt Space
Please answe r a brief questionnaire, below, as part of your application. . Based on your application and the slides of your work you've submitted, the Artspace team will invite you to visit the Alt Space during the first ten days of October to propose an appropriate location within the building for you.
Because there is limited space, preference will be given to artists that meet the following criteria:
· Lack of access to a local studio and
· A commitment to create installation-based work.
To register to participate in the Alt Space at Coop Center for Creativity:< /p>
1. Visit http://www.cwos.org/register.asp?artist=1 to register as for City-Wide Open Studios. In addition, check the box indicating your interest in "2011 CWOS Alternative Space Registration" and EITHER a) pay the $50 CWOS/Artspace membership fee registration fee; plus the CWOS Festival Fee of $20 and the $30 Alt Space fee, OR choose t he non member option b) $50 CWOS Festival Fee plus $60 Alt Space Fee
2. Complete the questionnaire below and submit your answers to kyleskar@artspacenh.org
Alt Space Questionnaire
1. Is this your first time participating in City-Wide Open Studios?
2. Do you have any special requirements? (i.e. mobility issues that prevent you from situating your work on the second floor? etc.)
3. What availability will you have leading up to the October 29-30 weekend?
4. Are you interested in creating an installation in the space? Please elaborate on your current work and what you might like to do at Alt Space**
We understand that you may need to see the space to make final decisions on what you will do in Alt Space. Please use the questions here to give us a general idea of your practice, include images of past installation-based work and describe what you might do at Alt Space. Sketches/Drawings are welcome. If before September 1, please send them to Kyle Skar kyleskar@artspacenh.org. In the subject line, write Alt Space Proposal.
General questions about Alt Space? Contact info@artspacenh.org. Please indicate Alt Space in the subject line.
What is the difference between the Alt Space and renting a space at West Cove or Erector Square?
Both options have their distinct advantages. The Alt Space will be open for several weeks for artists to be able to conceive and mount their installations in the presence of other artists. West Cove and Erector Square are available the weekend only, but offer some things not at the downtown space: easy parking and move-in conditions.
How much does it cost to participate?
This year, there is a three-tiered fee structure so that you can choose the plan that is best for you.
- There is a $50 registration fee for an online profile and to be considered a year round Artspace member. This entitles you to discounts on programs throughout the year, including a $30 discount on CWOS registration, as well as to discounts on the other CWOS events below. We hope you will show your support of Artspace by joining as a member, but please know that this is optional. If you choose not to obtain an online profile, you will participate in the CWOS festival as a non-member.
The CWOS Festival Fee covers your participation in the Festival Exhibition at Artspace and your presence in the printed guide. Members $20. Non Members $50.
Alt Space Fee. Members $30. Non Members $70.
DESIGN TABLE/CHART of tiered fee structure
Artspace Member Non Member
$20 $50* Registration for CWOS Festival
$30 $70* Alt Space
$25 $40 Curator Networking
* When is it worth joining as an online member? Starting in 2011, Artspace will charge non-members a $30 fee for submission of exhibition proposals, and for submissions to our calls for entry. Members submit proposals for free. Thus, if you plan to respond to more than one call, it’s worth becoming an online member! Members also obtain a 10% discount in the Artspace shop, and pay reduced fees for professional development workshops, screenings, and other events.
What can I show in the Festival Exhibition at Artspace?
- Every CWOS artist is invited to select a small (18” x 18” x 18”) representative work for the exhibition.
How can I help publicize CWOS and my participation in it?
- After you register, Artspace will furnish you with a digital invite for you to distribute to your list. We will also send you links to our various social media efforts. Our marketing is only as good as the collective efforts of our participating artists. Please spread the word via your own social media network. During September and October, you are encouraged to check your email and Artspace’s Facebook page regularly for updates and CWOS news.
Key Dates to Remember
September 6 Deadline to register for CWOS and be in the Festival Exhibition (artist must indicate whether work will be on the wall or pedestal).
October 7, 8, 9 & 10 Artwork drop off for Festival Exhibition
-Friday Oct. 7: Noon - 8pm
- Saturday, Oct. 8: Noon - 5pm
- Sunday, Oct 9: 4 - 8 pm
- Monday, Oct 10, Columbus Day: Noon - 6pm
Oct 9
Speed Networking with Curators: 1 ‐ 3:30pm (Registration $40 or $25 for Member artists)
October 12
Festival Exhibition Opens at Noon
October 14
Festival Exhibition Opening: 5‐8 pm (in conjunction with other Ninth Square gallery and storefront openings)
October 15-16, October 22-23, October 29-30
CWOS Festival, gallery open Saturday and Sunday for 3 weekends. Closed Mondays/Tuesdays.
October 30 Festival Exhibition Closes
Nov 1, 2, 3 Artist pick up of Festival Exhibition artwork
- Tuesday Nov 1: 2 – 5pm
- Wednesday Nov 2: Noon – 5pm
- Thursday Nov 3: Noon - 6pm**
** Please Note. Any work left past November 3 will be subject to a rental charge of $5/day.
Nov 1. Private party for CWOS Festival artists at Yale University Art Gallery. A guest is also welcome.
PAST EVENTS:
2009 CIty-Wide Open Studios Weekend
On October 3 and 4, 2009, hundreds of member artists opened their studios to visitors, supported with publicity provided by Artspace. The CWOS website provided links and the ability for visitors to customize studio tour routes. During the Open Studios Weekend, Artspace served as the CWOS information hub and provided public access to the CWOS online artist directory. Space was also provided for artists’ postcards and advertising materials.
2009 CIty-Wide Open Studios Exhibitions
ArtSpace (located in downtown New Haven) was the venue for exhibitions of works by CWOS member artists—two unjuried (June 25–July 25 and July 30–August 29) and one juried (September 17–October 31). Artists who registered by June 1 were eligible to participate in one of the unjuried exhibitions and to submit work to be considered for the juried exhibition. Email notifications of exhibition opportunities were announced throughout the year to all registered artists.
Events
Throughout the year, Artspace was the venue for events geared toward consolidating a strong visual arts community—
• Opening receptions for exhibitions
• Artist Talks and Happy Hours to encourage networking between artists and the community
• Networking brunches for artists, curators, collectors, and critics
Our events page provided updates to the members who had signed up for email notifications of events as they were announced throughout the year.
City-Wide Open Studios is a program of Artspace, a Connecticut non-profit organization presenting local and national visual art, providing access, excellence, and education for the benefit of the public and the arts community.
Major support for CWOS is provided by TD Bank and the City of New Haven’s Economic Development Administration.
Significant contributions are provided by New Alliance Foundation, Yale
General support for Artspace is provided by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Community Foundation of Greater New Haven, Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism and Friends of Artspace
