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The Fifth Annual Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards

April 8th & 9th 2010

Good For Her is entering their fifth year as producers of the Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards, the largest and longest running celebration of feminist porn in the world.   

Provocative.Public/Porn: The Year’s Best in Feminist Film

Thursday, April 8
Bloor Cinema (506 Bloor West)
9:30 pm

Kick off the Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards with a screening of scenes from Tristan Taormino, Shine Louise Houston, Nica Noelle, and April Flores.  Followed by a roundtable discussion about porn and feminism, five years after the first Feminist Porn Awards, moderated by CoCo La Creme, with all directors/performers in attendance. Audience members will also be able to vote in our first ever Viewer’s Choice Award.

Tickets: $12 advance/door$25 for combo tickets to awards + screening$100 for VIP tickets (both awards and screening, + VIP pre-party, priority seating and gift bag worth over $250) Click here to purchase tickets 

 (via FPA 2010 | Good For Her)

Mar 28
The Fifth Annual Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards April 8th & 9th 2010 Good For Her is entering their fifth year as producers of the Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards, the largest and longest running celebration of feminist porn in the world.    Provocative.Public/Porn: The Year’s Best in Feminist Film Thursday, April 8Bloor Cinema (506 Bloor West)9:30 pm Kick off the Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards with a screening of scenes from Tristan Taormino, Shine Louise Houston, Nica Noelle, and April Flores.  Followed by a roundtable discussion about porn and feminism, five years after the first Feminist Porn Awards, moderated by CoCo La Creme, with all directors/performers in attendance. Audience members will also be able to vote in our first ever Viewer’s Choice Award. Tickets: $12 advance/door$25 for combo tickets to awards + screening$100 for VIP tickets (both awards and screening, + VIP pre-party, priority seating and gift bag worth over $250) Click here to purchase tickets   (via FPA 2010 | Good For Her)

Now open in Venice the long-awaited exhibition of the 195 finalists of the 4th International Prize Arte Laguna, which this year has established itself as a new benchmark for contemporary art around the world, thanks to the extraordinary quality of work received with an eye towards emerging art.

During the gala evening of the 6th  March, there was a significant participation of guests from the arts and culture but also public, in wich were awarded the winner of the three categories , Painting, Sculpture and art photography and communicated the winners of special prizes linked to the international exhibition circuit 21 galleries and art spaces, moreover it was also communicated winner of the Prize “Business for Art” Tenuta S. Anna.
The works of the 180 finalists, selected from over 5,500 artists entered, are displayed in the huge and fascinating location of Tese di San Cristoforo of the Venice Arsenale up to 27 March 2010, an important setting was designed to enhance more than 3,000 square meters of industrial heritage, thanks to clever use of lighting and photographic style.

At the same time, the selection of the 15 best artists under 25 is exhibited at the Romanian Institute of Culture and Humanistic Research in Venice, located in the historic Palazzo Correr in Campo Santa Fosca, a splendid example of Venetian architecture of the fifteenth century.
Mar 18
Now open in Venice the long-awaited exhibition of the 195 finalists of the 4th International Prize Arte Laguna, which this year has established itself as a new benchmark for contemporary art around the world, thanks to the extraordinary quality of work received with an eye towards emerging art. During the gala evening of the 6th  March, there was a significant participation of guests from the arts and culture but also public, in wich were awarded the winner of the three categories , Painting, Sculpture and art photography and communicated the winners of special prizes linked to the international exhibition circuit 21 galleries and art spaces, moreover it was also communicated winner of the Prize “Business for Art” Tenuta S. Anna.The works of the 180 finalists, selected from over 5,500 artists entered, are displayed in the huge and fascinating location of Tese di San Cristoforo of the Venice Arsenale up to 27 March 2010, an important setting was designed to enhance more than 3,000 square meters of industrial heritage, thanks to clever use of lighting and photographic style. At the same time, the selection of the 15 best artists under 25 is exhibited at the Romanian Institute of Culture and Humanistic Research in Venice, located in the historic Palazzo Correr in Campo Santa Fosca, a splendid example of Venetian architecture of the fifteenth century.

Liverpool Art Prize 2010 - Shortlist Announced

  • Judges and Shortlist of 5 artists announced
  • New Venue and Dates for the Exhibition
  • £2000 to the Winner, £1000 People’s Choice Award
  • Art Prize Winner to be offered a show at The Walker
  • Additional events involving Liverpool artists

Artinliverpool.com, the top British art blog and founder and organiser of the annual Liverpool Art Prize, are delighted to make some exciting announcements concerning this year’s events.
The Shortlisted Artists

  • Gina Czarnecki
  • David Jacques
  • James Quin
  • Paul Rooney
  • Emily Speed

The Judging Panel
In this, the 3rd year of the prize, we have another knowledgeable, experienced group of judges:

  • Juan Cruz (Head of Arts Dept. JMU Art & Design Academy)
  • Laura Davis (Arts Editor, Liverpool Daily Post)
  • Reyahn King (Director of Art Galleries, National Museums Liverpool)
  • Nicki McCubbing (Artist, shortlisted for 2009 Liverpool Art Prize)
  • Jay Mitton (Business Manager, Arthur Diamond Design)
  • Sara-Jayne Parsons (Exhibitions Curator, the Bluecoat)

New Venue
This year Artinliverpool are working in partnership with Metal. The exhibition will be taking place at the exciting new space for art, Metal at Edge Hill Station (the World’s oldest passenger railway station still in use).
The Exhibition
The 2010 exhibition opens on Friday 4 June (Viewing on 3 June) and ends on Saturday 10 July with the Awards Ceremony taking place on Wednesday 30 June.
The exhibition will be curated by Jenny Porter, the Project Manager at Metal.
The Prizes
The overall winner will be awarded £2000 plus (new from this year) the opportunity to exhibit their work at the Walker Art Gallery at a later date. There will also be the £1000 People’s Choice Award (Sponsored by Arthur Diamond Design) chosen by the public voting at the gallery.
Peripheral Events
Now that the Liverpool Art Prize is firmly established we are building on its success and working with the other visual art organisations to highlight other events involving locally-based artists during the period of the exhibition. There will be a Liverpool Open Studios weekend 12/13 June, a Liverpool Junior Art Prize, artist talks, workshops, craft markets and other events. Full details will be announced later.

More details at www.liverpoolartprize.com
Mar 13
Liverpool Art Prize 2010 - Shortlist Announced Judges and Shortlist of 5 artists announced New Venue and Dates for the Exhibition £2000 to the Winner, £1000 People’s Choice Award Art Prize Winner to be offered a show at The Walker Additional events involving Liverpool artists Artinliverpool.com, the top British art blog and founder and organiser of the annual Liverpool Art Prize, are delighted to make some exciting announcements concerning this year’s events.The Shortlisted Artists Gina Czarnecki David Jacques James Quin Paul Rooney Emily Speed The Judging Panel In this, the 3rd year of the prize, we have another knowledgeable, experienced group of judges: Juan Cruz (Head of Arts Dept. JMU Art & Design Academy) Laura Davis (Arts Editor, Liverpool Daily Post) Reyahn King (Director of Art Galleries, National Museums Liverpool) Nicki McCubbing (Artist, shortlisted for 2009 Liverpool Art Prize) Jay Mitton (Business Manager, Arthur Diamond Design) Sara-Jayne Parsons (Exhibitions Curator, the Bluecoat) New Venue This year Artinliverpool are working in partnership with Metal. The exhibition will be taking place at the exciting new space for art, Metal at Edge Hill Station (the World’s oldest passenger railway station still in use).The Exhibition The 2010 exhibition opens on Friday 4 June (Viewing on 3 June) and ends on Saturday 10 July with the Awards Ceremony taking place on Wednesday 30 June. The exhibition will be curated by Jenny Porter, the Project Manager at Metal.The Prizes The overall winner will be awarded £2000 plus (new from this year) the opportunity to exhibit their work at the Walker Art Gallery at a later date. There will also be the £1000 People’s Choice Award (Sponsored by Arthur Diamond Design) chosen by the public voting at the gallery.Peripheral Events Now that the Liverpool Art Prize is firmly established we are building on its success and working with the other visual art organisations to highlight other events involving locally-based artists during the period of the exhibition. There will be a Liverpool Open Studios weekend 12/13 June, a Liverpool Junior Art Prize, artist talks, workshops, craft markets and other events. Full details will be announced later. More details at www.liverpoolartprize.com

For Immediate Release

LEVERAGING INVESTMENTS IN CREATIVITY AND METLIFE FOUNDATION RECOGNIZE INNOVATIVE ART PROJECTS NATIONWIDE

 

$100,000 in total awarded to six organizations for developing space for artists

 

New York, NY – Leveraging Investments in Creativity (LINC) and MetLife Foundation announced the six winners of the nationwide, competitive 2009 MetLife Innovative Space Awards. The awards recognize outstanding efforts in the design and development of affordable space for artists, which is an integral part of LINC’s Space for Change: Building Communities Through Innovative Art Spaces program. These spaces provide a stable foundation from which artists may pursue their works and shape the neighborhoods they inhabit. The winning programs were selected from more than 90 applications from 29 states; awards range from $10,000 to $50,000. 

“The MetLife Innovative Space Awards recognize exemplary artist spaces for their innovation, affordability, sustainability and positive community impact,” said Dennis White, president and CEO, MetLife Foundation. “These winning programs serve as models for other communities interested in creating and benefiting from sustainable art spaces.”

“The development of affordable living and working spaces for artists plays a powerful role in the production of their works.  The award recipients reflect the diversity of America, while sharing excellent programming, socially progressive development and the ability to provide creative and economic sustenance. Each model has elements replicable in other locales,” said Judilee Reed, executive director, LINC.

The grand prize winning organization, the International Sonoran Desert Alliance (ISDA), received a $50,000 grant in recognition of its development of the Curley School, which serves as the anchor for an arts-based revitalization movement in the border town of Ajo, Ariz. and neighboring Tohono O’odham Nation and Sonora, Mexico.  The 7.5-acre, school campus, developed by ISDA, features the award-winning rehabilitation of two historic buildings into 30 affordable live/work rental units for artists, as well as an auditorium with an indoor/outdoor stage. Adjacent buildings contain a retail gallery, business incubator, and work, classroom, and collaboration spaces. Artists have access to professional development programs that provide business planning and means to capital financing.  In the future, ISDA plans to develop an international artist retreat center and the inclusion of an art space in the town plaza, which is in close proximity to the Curley School.

The other winning organizations each received a $10,000 award:

  • The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning offers robust programming for professional writers and also fosters improved literacy levels in its local community, recognizing the impact that art can have on basic life skills. 

 

  • City of Asylum/Pittsburgh, Pa. provides outstanding levels of service to artists in exile through a residency program with a full range of support services for the personal and professional recovery of artists and their families.
  • Open Book 2.0 in Minneapolis, Minn. exemplifies collaboration among local non-profits. Three independent organizations, The Loft Literary Center, Milkweed Editions, and Minnesota Center for Book Arts pooled resources to form a vibrant literary arts center.

 

  • Soo Theatre and STARS in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. jumpstarted the economic and cultural revitalization of its area by bringing arts education and programming to the region. Soo Theatre is now a cultural asset that allows the local hospital and university to attract and retain talent.
  • Watts House Project in Los Angeles, Calif. meshes artists’ skills with local needs to improve households, creating a bond between artist and neighbor by integrating sustainable building and landscaping into everyday life.

 

 “Artist spaces should be fundamental to well-planned communities. We hope a broader set of stakeholders, including policymakers, planners and other civic leaders, will embrace arts and culture as significant components of effective development strategies,” said Susan Silberberg-Robinson, associate project director, MetLife Innovative Space Awards and lecturer in Urban Design and Planning, MIT.

 

Space for Change: Building Communities Through Innovative Art Spaces was launched in 2009 by LINC in partnership with MIT’s Department of Urban Studies, through a funding collaboration between the MetLife Foundation and Ford Foundation. To learn more, visit www.lincnet.net/artist-space.

About LINC

Leveraging Investments in Creativity (LINC) is a 10-year initiative to improve artists’ ability to make work, build social capital and contribute to democratic values.  For more information, visit www.lincnet.net.

About MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife to continue the company’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Grants are made to support health, educational, civic and cultural organizations and programs. The Foundation contributes to arts and cultural organizations, with an emphasis on increasing opportunities for young people, reaching broad audiences through inclusive programming, and making arts more accessible for all people. For more information, please visit www.metlife.org.

Contact:         

Judilee Reed, 646-731-3275, judilee@lincnet.net, LINC

David Hammarstrom, 401-827-2273, dhammarstrom@metlife.com
Jan 11
Jan 11

LEVERAGING INVESTMENTS IN CREATIVITY AND METLIFE FOUNDATION RECOGNIZE INNOVATIVE ART PROJECTS NATIONWIDE

Art PR Wire

Posted on Sunday March 28th 2010 at 11:12am. It's tags are listed below.

The Fifth Annual Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards April 8th & 9th 2010 Good For Her is entering their fifth year as producers of the Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards, the largest and longest running celebration of feminist porn in the world.    Provocative.Public/Porn: The Year’s Best in Feminist Film Thursday, April 8Bloor Cinema (506 Bloor West)9:30 pm Kick off the Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards with a screening of scenes from Tristan Taormino, Shine Louise Houston, Nica Noelle, and April Flores.  Followed by a roundtable discussion about porn and feminism, five years after the first Feminist Porn Awards, moderated by CoCo La Creme, with all directors/performers in attendance. Audience members will also be able to vote in our first ever Viewer’s Choice Award. Tickets: $12 advance/door$25 for combo tickets to awards + screening$100 for VIP tickets (both awards and screening, + VIP pre-party, priority seating and gift bag worth over $250) Click here to purchase tickets   (via FPA 2010 | Good For Her)
The Fifth Annual Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards April 8th & 9th 2010 Good For Her is entering their fifth year as producers of the Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards, the largest and longest running celebration of feminist porn in the world.    Provocative.Public/Porn: The Year’s Best in Feminist Film Thursday, April 8Bloor Cinema (506 Bloor West)9:30 pm Kick off the Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards with a screening of scenes from Tristan Taormino, Shine Louise Houston, Nica Noelle, and April Flores.  Followed by a roundtable discussion about porn and feminism, five years after the first Feminist Porn Awards, moderated by CoCo La Creme, with all directors/performers in attendance. Audience members will also be able to vote in our first ever Viewer’s Choice Award. Tickets: $12 advance/door$25 for combo tickets to awards + screening$100 for VIP tickets (both awards and screening, + VIP pre-party, priority seating and gift bag worth over $250) Click here to purchase tickets   (via FPA 2010 | Good For Her)

The Fifth Annual Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards

April 8th & 9th 2010

Good For Her is entering their fifth year as producers of the Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards, the largest and longest running celebration of feminist porn in the world.   

Provocative.Public/Porn: The Year’s Best in Feminist Film

Thursday, April 8
Bloor Cinema (506 Bloor West)
9:30 pm

Kick off the Good For Her Feminist Porn Awards with a screening of scenes from Tristan Taormino, Shine Louise Houston, Nica Noelle, and April Flores.  Followed by a roundtable discussion about porn and feminism, five years after the first Feminist Porn Awards, moderated by CoCo La Creme, with all directors/performers in attendance. Audience members will also be able to vote in our first ever Viewer’s Choice Award.

Tickets: $12 advance/door$25 for combo tickets to awards + screening$100 for VIP tickets (both awards and screening, + VIP pre-party, priority seating and gift bag worth over $250) Click here to purchase tickets 

 (via FPA 2010 | Good For Her)

Art PR Wire

Posted on Thursday March 18th 2010 at 10:35am. It's tags are listed below.

Now open in Venice the long-awaited exhibition of the 195 finalists of the 4th International Prize Arte Laguna, which this year has established itself as a new benchmark for contemporary art around the world, thanks to the extraordinary quality of work received with an eye towards emerging art. During the gala evening of the 6th  March, there was a significant participation of guests from the arts and culture but also public, in wich were awarded the winner of the three categories , Painting, Sculpture and art photography and communicated the winners of special prizes linked to the international exhibition circuit 21 galleries and art spaces, moreover it was also communicated winner of the Prize “Business for Art” Tenuta S. Anna.The works of the 180 finalists, selected from over 5,500 artists entered, are displayed in the huge and fascinating location of Tese di San Cristoforo of the Venice Arsenale up to 27 March 2010, an important setting was designed to enhance more than 3,000 square meters of industrial heritage, thanks to clever use of lighting and photographic style. At the same time, the selection of the 15 best artists under 25 is exhibited at the Romanian Institute of Culture and Humanistic Research in Venice, located in the historic Palazzo Correr in Campo Santa Fosca, a splendid example of Venetian architecture of the fifteenth century.
Now open in Venice the long-awaited exhibition of the 195 finalists of the 4th International Prize Arte Laguna, which this year has established itself as a new benchmark for contemporary art around the world, thanks to the extraordinary quality of work received with an eye towards emerging art. During the gala evening of the 6th  March, there was a significant participation of guests from the arts and culture but also public, in wich were awarded the winner of the three categories , Painting, Sculpture and art photography and communicated the winners of special prizes linked to the international exhibition circuit 21 galleries and art spaces, moreover it was also communicated winner of the Prize “Business for Art” Tenuta S. Anna.The works of the 180 finalists, selected from over 5,500 artists entered, are displayed in the huge and fascinating location of Tese di San Cristoforo of the Venice Arsenale up to 27 March 2010, an important setting was designed to enhance more than 3,000 square meters of industrial heritage, thanks to clever use of lighting and photographic style. At the same time, the selection of the 15 best artists under 25 is exhibited at the Romanian Institute of Culture and Humanistic Research in Venice, located in the historic Palazzo Correr in Campo Santa Fosca, a splendid example of Venetian architecture of the fifteenth century.

Now open in Venice the long-awaited exhibition of the 195 finalists of the 4th International Prize Arte Laguna, which this year has established itself as a new benchmark for contemporary art around the world, thanks to the extraordinary quality of work received with an eye towards emerging art.

During the gala evening of the 6th  March, there was a significant participation of guests from the arts and culture but also public, in wich were awarded the winner of the three categories , Painting, Sculpture and art photography and communicated the winners of special prizes linked to the international exhibition circuit 21 galleries and art spaces, moreover it was also communicated winner of the Prize “Business for Art” Tenuta S. Anna.
The works of the 180 finalists, selected from over 5,500 artists entered, are displayed in the huge and fascinating location of Tese di San Cristoforo of the Venice Arsenale up to 27 March 2010, an important setting was designed to enhance more than 3,000 square meters of industrial heritage, thanks to clever use of lighting and photographic style.

At the same time, the selection of the 15 best artists under 25 is exhibited at the Romanian Institute of Culture and Humanistic Research in Venice, located in the historic Palazzo Correr in Campo Santa Fosca, a splendid example of Venetian architecture of the fifteenth century.

Art PR Wire

Posted on Saturday March 13th 2010 at 01:47pm. It's tags are listed below.

Liverpool Art Prize 2010 - Shortlist Announced Judges and Shortlist of 5 artists announced New Venue and Dates for the Exhibition £2000 to the Winner, £1000 People’s Choice Award Art Prize Winner to be offered a show at The Walker Additional events involving Liverpool artists Artinliverpool.com, the top British art blog and founder and organiser of the annual Liverpool Art Prize, are delighted to make some exciting announcements concerning this year’s events.The Shortlisted Artists Gina Czarnecki David Jacques James Quin Paul Rooney Emily Speed The Judging Panel In this, the 3rd year of the prize, we have another knowledgeable, experienced group of judges: Juan Cruz (Head of Arts Dept. JMU Art & Design Academy) Laura Davis (Arts Editor, Liverpool Daily Post) Reyahn King (Director of Art Galleries, National Museums Liverpool) Nicki McCubbing (Artist, shortlisted for 2009 Liverpool Art Prize) Jay Mitton (Business Manager, Arthur Diamond Design) Sara-Jayne Parsons (Exhibitions Curator, the Bluecoat) New Venue This year Artinliverpool are working in partnership with Metal. The exhibition will be taking place at the exciting new space for art, Metal at Edge Hill Station (the World’s oldest passenger railway station still in use).The Exhibition The 2010 exhibition opens on Friday 4 June (Viewing on 3 June) and ends on Saturday 10 July with the Awards Ceremony taking place on Wednesday 30 June. The exhibition will be curated by Jenny Porter, the Project Manager at Metal.The Prizes The overall winner will be awarded £2000 plus (new from this year) the opportunity to exhibit their work at the Walker Art Gallery at a later date. There will also be the £1000 People’s Choice Award (Sponsored by Arthur Diamond Design) chosen by the public voting at the gallery.Peripheral Events Now that the Liverpool Art Prize is firmly established we are building on its success and working with the other visual art organisations to highlight other events involving locally-based artists during the period of the exhibition. There will be a Liverpool Open Studios weekend 12/13 June, a Liverpool Junior Art Prize, artist talks, workshops, craft markets and other events. Full details will be announced later. More details at www.liverpoolartprize.com

Liverpool Art Prize 2010 - Shortlist Announced

  • Judges and Shortlist of 5 artists announced
  • New Venue and Dates for the Exhibition
  • £2000 to the Winner, £1000 People’s Choice Award
  • Art Prize Winner to be offered a show at The Walker
  • Additional events involving Liverpool artists

Artinliverpool.com, the top British art blog and founder and organiser of the annual Liverpool Art Prize, are delighted to make some exciting announcements concerning this year’s events.
The Shortlisted Artists

  • Gina Czarnecki
  • David Jacques
  • James Quin
  • Paul Rooney
  • Emily Speed

The Judging Panel
In this, the 3rd year of the prize, we have another knowledgeable, experienced group of judges:

  • Juan Cruz (Head of Arts Dept. JMU Art & Design Academy)
  • Laura Davis (Arts Editor, Liverpool Daily Post)
  • Reyahn King (Director of Art Galleries, National Museums Liverpool)
  • Nicki McCubbing (Artist, shortlisted for 2009 Liverpool Art Prize)
  • Jay Mitton (Business Manager, Arthur Diamond Design)
  • Sara-Jayne Parsons (Exhibitions Curator, the Bluecoat)

New Venue
This year Artinliverpool are working in partnership with Metal. The exhibition will be taking place at the exciting new space for art, Metal at Edge Hill Station (the World’s oldest passenger railway station still in use).
The Exhibition
The 2010 exhibition opens on Friday 4 June (Viewing on 3 June) and ends on Saturday 10 July with the Awards Ceremony taking place on Wednesday 30 June.
The exhibition will be curated by Jenny Porter, the Project Manager at Metal.
The Prizes
The overall winner will be awarded £2000 plus (new from this year) the opportunity to exhibit their work at the Walker Art Gallery at a later date. There will also be the £1000 People’s Choice Award (Sponsored by Arthur Diamond Design) chosen by the public voting at the gallery.
Peripheral Events
Now that the Liverpool Art Prize is firmly established we are building on its success and working with the other visual art organisations to highlight other events involving locally-based artists during the period of the exhibition. There will be a Liverpool Open Studios weekend 12/13 June, a Liverpool Junior Art Prize, artist talks, workshops, craft markets and other events. Full details will be announced later.

More details at www.liverpoolartprize.com

LEVERAGING INVESTMENTS IN CREATIVITY AND METLIFE FOUNDATION RECOGNIZE INNOVATIVE ART PROJECTS NATIONWIDE

Posted on Monday January 11th 2010 at 01:59pm. It's tags are listed below.

LEVERAGING INVESTMENTS IN CREATIVITY AND METLIFE FOUNDATION RECOGNIZE INNOVATIVE ART PROJECTS NATIONWIDE

For Immediate Release

LEVERAGING INVESTMENTS IN CREATIVITY AND METLIFE FOUNDATION RECOGNIZE INNOVATIVE ART PROJECTS NATIONWIDE

 

$100,000 in total awarded to six organizations for developing space for artists

 

New York, NY – Leveraging Investments in Creativity (LINC) and MetLife Foundation announced the six winners of the nationwide, competitive 2009 MetLife Innovative Space Awards. The awards recognize outstanding efforts in the design and development of affordable space for artists, which is an integral part of LINC’s Space for Change: Building Communities Through Innovative Art Spaces program. These spaces provide a stable foundation from which artists may pursue their works and shape the neighborhoods they inhabit. The winning programs were selected from more than 90 applications from 29 states; awards range from $10,000 to $50,000. 

“The MetLife Innovative Space Awards recognize exemplary artist spaces for their innovation, affordability, sustainability and positive community impact,” said Dennis White, president and CEO, MetLife Foundation. “These winning programs serve as models for other communities interested in creating and benefiting from sustainable art spaces.”

“The development of affordable living and working spaces for artists plays a powerful role in the production of their works.  The award recipients reflect the diversity of America, while sharing excellent programming, socially progressive development and the ability to provide creative and economic sustenance. Each model has elements replicable in other locales,” said Judilee Reed, executive director, LINC.

The grand prize winning organization, the International Sonoran Desert Alliance (ISDA), received a $50,000 grant in recognition of its development of the Curley School, which serves as the anchor for an arts-based revitalization movement in the border town of Ajo, Ariz. and neighboring Tohono O’odham Nation and Sonora, Mexico.  The 7.5-acre, school campus, developed by ISDA, features the award-winning rehabilitation of two historic buildings into 30 affordable live/work rental units for artists, as well as an auditorium with an indoor/outdoor stage. Adjacent buildings contain a retail gallery, business incubator, and work, classroom, and collaboration spaces. Artists have access to professional development programs that provide business planning and means to capital financing.  In the future, ISDA plans to develop an international artist retreat center and the inclusion of an art space in the town plaza, which is in close proximity to the Curley School.

The other winning organizations each received a $10,000 award:

  • The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning offers robust programming for professional writers and also fosters improved literacy levels in its local community, recognizing the impact that art can have on basic life skills. 

 

  • City of Asylum/Pittsburgh, Pa. provides outstanding levels of service to artists in exile through a residency program with a full range of support services for the personal and professional recovery of artists and their families.
  • Open Book 2.0 in Minneapolis, Minn. exemplifies collaboration among local non-profits. Three independent organizations, The Loft Literary Center, Milkweed Editions, and Minnesota Center for Book Arts pooled resources to form a vibrant literary arts center.

 

  • Soo Theatre and STARS in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. jumpstarted the economic and cultural revitalization of its area by bringing arts education and programming to the region. Soo Theatre is now a cultural asset that allows the local hospital and university to attract and retain talent.
  • Watts House Project in Los Angeles, Calif. meshes artists’ skills with local needs to improve households, creating a bond between artist and neighbor by integrating sustainable building and landscaping into everyday life.

 

 “Artist spaces should be fundamental to well-planned communities. We hope a broader set of stakeholders, including policymakers, planners and other civic leaders, will embrace arts and culture as significant components of effective development strategies,” said Susan Silberberg-Robinson, associate project director, MetLife Innovative Space Awards and lecturer in Urban Design and Planning, MIT.

 

Space for Change: Building Communities Through Innovative Art Spaces was launched in 2009 by LINC in partnership with MIT’s Department of Urban Studies, through a funding collaboration between the MetLife Foundation and Ford Foundation. To learn more, visit www.lincnet.net/artist-space.

About LINC

Leveraging Investments in Creativity (LINC) is a 10-year initiative to improve artists’ ability to make work, build social capital and contribute to democratic values.  For more information, visit www.lincnet.net.

About MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife to continue the company’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Grants are made to support health, educational, civic and cultural organizations and programs. The Foundation contributes to arts and cultural organizations, with an emphasis on increasing opportunities for young people, reaching broad audiences through inclusive programming, and making arts more accessible for all people. For more information, please visit www.metlife.org.

Contact:         

Judilee Reed, 646-731-3275, judilee@lincnet.net, LINC

David Hammarstrom, 401-827-2273, dhammarstrom@metlife.com

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