Art Affairs: ArtWeek makes a splash with MASS appeal

We hope to find the answer to this perplexing question when ArtWeek opens across Massachusetts with a ten-day event, encompassing one-thousand venues, held in over 70 cities and towns, and supported by nearly $2.5 million of in-kind media advertising and editorial support.

Other than this small feat, the organization, and its partners intend to entice hundreds of thousands of people to get up, get out, and take the opportunity to explore and create.

The concept of a state-wide festival designed to celebrate the arts has its roots traced back to a wall found in Spain some 64,000 years ago. It was here, a Neanderthal raised their hand and painted three red symbols; it was a conscious and intentional act of expression—perhaps the first on the planet.

From this effort to create and communicate, humans continued to act upon emotional experiences, and the genesis of human-kind sharing their interpretation of the world with each other flourished.
Having such knowledge, how could we not be curious or hesitate to enjoy a gift that is held in everyone’s heart?

Some History:
Presented by Highland Street Foundation, (that’s a story of its own), and produced by the Boch Center in Boston, ArtWeek has become an annual event that encourages innovative, unique, and creative expression, all of which is hands-on, interactive, or offers behind-the-scenes access to artists or the creative process.

The excitement began in 2013 when the Boch group made plans to improve the connection between communities and the “creative economy,” principally within Boston proper and its historic theaters.
Then, in May 2017, the group announced that ArtWeek was to expand–statewide–and launched a new identity package and a partnership with the Mass Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. Because of this alliance, regional hubs developed and expanded ArtWeek’s message beyond the city’s limits.

Today, ArtWeek’s concept of building massive cultural experiences is more than an idea; it is a champion to the countless galleries, theaters, studios, businesses, and other entities that come together to unify the all-encompassing concept of what art is all about.

Ready, set, go!
Beginning April 27 and running until May 6, 2018, there will be locations ready to welcome you to paint, act, sing, and laugh. From learning Greek dancing to becoming a Lego master, ArtWeek has a place where you can apply yourself.

This year’s six region festival, includes Greater Boston, the Cape & Islands, South of Boston (South Shore & SouthCoast), North of Boston, Central, and Western Massachusetts, has a full agenda of free programming, with up to 90 percent of events either free or with a fee of less than $25.

The nexus of the festival and the communities that host them can be compared to the lacing together of regions and people. By incorporating their experiences and turning them into cooperative enterprises, those who participate will enjoy a new and inspiring method of living, learning, and sharing.

The adventure begins with you—yes, you. There’s a little work to do to jump-start the excitement, but it’s easy.

First, visit artweekma.org and click on the event calendar. Here, you’ll begin to explore the most comprehensive listings of events, instructions, and entertainment you could ever hope to enjoy.
Site events include lofts, kitchens, offices, historic sites, libraries, hotels, restaurants, schools, theaters, and even a few bars—an added attraction for the very adventurous!

ArtWeek’s mission is clear, and participation is at an all-time high. Plan to attend an event both near and far and explore the depths of your creativity or take a chance and discover new talents.

For a listing of events, dates, and locations, visit artweekma.org.