Partner With an Artist – A Signature Program

Partner with an Artist (PWA) provides an opportunity for businesses and artists to collaborate and create unique and innovative artwork outside of traditional visual art spaces. Artists are invited to determine the content and method of their work in response to the the businesses themselves – the workers, the customers, the site, and/or historical and cultural aspects of a site. PWA challenges artists to think about their work and their roles as artists in new ways. (Click to here to see past partners and artists.)

Since 2005, seARTs has gratefully been funded by the Bruce J. Anderson Foundation for this important program. seARTS sends out a call for artists to participate the program continues to evolve to reflect the artistic and cultural climate of Cape Ann. At it’s heart, PWA is a community arts program – falling into the broader category of public art.

2012 PWA John Bassett’s Glass Sculpture at Bracketts in Rockport

The latest example of PWA in action

For 2012, John Bassett, of Rockport, won the Partner with an Artist $1,500 grant. Bassett created new work in partnership with three businesses located in the new Rockport Cultural District. Trained as an architect and skilled carpenter, Bassett created three sculptural glass panels which were on prominent display in three restaurants in the heart of Rockport: Brackett’s Oceanview, Roy Moore’s Fish Shack and 7th Wave. The work premiered on October 13 at the Rockport Harvest Fest.

PWA 2012 John Bassett at 7th Wave Restaurant

Bassett transforms recycled glass from the Rockport transfer station (familiar to many as the “dump”) into colorful, textured sculptural panels. His technique involves slumping and fusing the glass in a kiln. Bassett’s work has been exhibited throughout New England.

“PWA’s focus is to celebrate the arts, strengthen partnerships with the business community, and to further the impact of art and culture on the local economy,” said Anne Robinson, seARTS board of directors. “A few of these Rockport restaurants would have already closed for the season, but we asked them to stay open so the public could view the art and perhaps enjoy the restaurant as well. Staying open longer means more revenue and is a real enhancement for visitors in the cooler months as well as year round residents.”

What’s next in 2012/2013?
To support and celebrate Cape Ann’s new Cultural Districts PWA 2012/2013 will award a $1,500 grant to one innovate artist/business collaboration located within each Cultural District.

How to Apply (for artists)
A Call to Artists will be announced in early 2013 for projects in the Rocky Neck Cultural District and to Cape Ann Cultural Districts designated in 2013. Details will be announced on this website.

Benefits for Business Partners

“When businesses notice other businesses getting involved in the arts in such an impactful and creative way, it can really inspire them to get involved,” said Anne Robinson, VP of seARTS board of directors. “Who wouldn’t want to create more attention and gain more customers for their business, as well as support the arts?”
How to Get Involved (for businesses) - Local businesses that are interested in hosting a PWA program should contact seARTS. There is a wide array of businesses from retail establishments to corporate offices that have hosted project in the past. Please see the presentation of past programs to see many examples.

Who Makes PWA possible?

Many people, including the talented artists and their business partners, make PWA one of seARTS’s signature programs. In 2012 PWA has been managed by Susan Quateman, a city planner, landscape designer and silk painter with Ten Pound Studio in Gloucester, Mass. PWA is also grateful for grants from the Bruce J. Anderson and Selma and Bayness Andrews Funds of the Boston Foundation.

PAST ARTISTS AND PARTNERS

2011

2011 PWA Elizabeth Harty Triptych #6 at Senior Center in Rockport

Susan Erony with Gloucester Writers Center, Ten Pound Island Books and Sawyer Free Library
Elizabeth Harty with Rockport Council on the Aging
Kristen Miller and Robert Newton with The Annie and Alchemy Cafe & Bistro
John Taguiri with Gloucester Marine Railways
Abby Ytzen with Capt. Joe & Sons