Introducing: COMMUNITY FORUM
At Asian Arts Initiative (AAI), we engage in community feedback processes through our Community Advisory Board, Curatorial Advisors, and Artist Town Halls. These feedback sources ensure that AAI’s gallery exhibitions and programs remain timely, relevant, and reflective of our communities.
AAI is opening up a NEW opportunity for open dialogue… Community Forums; where people can share knowledge, discuss various topics, and explore future opportunities at 1219 Vine St.
For our April Forums, we will discuss proposed uses for AAI’s first-floor Storefront space.
This 1,000 sq ft raw space has 25ft ceilings and direct access from Vine Street. After being tenant vacated during the pandemic, this space has hosted an indoor skate park, a care pantry and respite lounge, and several exhibitions, including Invasive Species, The Body You Want, and currently, Crescendo.
Our initial phase of community feedback highlighted a couple of use cases for the Storefront.
Models to consider:
Extended Occupancy: 4-12 week occupancies for those seeking more than a hourly/daily presence but not as durable as a tenant lease
Examples: exhibitions, theatrical runs, site-specific installations, camps, social purpose pop-ups, temporary retail, etc
Think about: How long/often is your need? What structural amenities would benefit your occupancy? Would more usable space through multi-level design be a benefit or hinder vertical design options? Are flooring or wall materials important? How DIY vs turnkey in terms of amenities?
Production Studio: Space with ready-to-use production equipment
Examples: film studio, visual production, music studio, audio production, streaming, podcasting, etc
Think about: Which type would be most interesting to you? Do you see any hybrid possibilities? Are you looking for access to equipment, software, or instruction? What equipment is needed? Does membership or pay-per-use make sense for you? Do you know of other organizations already doing this well that might be interested in discussing a satellite location?
What to Expect:
If you join us on 04/09 via Zoom, we will gather online for a facilitated discussion on the Storefront as a Production Studio
If you join us in person on 04/13, we will gather in the Storefront for a facilitated discussion on the Storefront used for Extended Occupancies
- Lite bites will be provided for all guests who RSVP.
- Child care is possible with a timely request.
What to bring:
- Creative ideas on how you might activate the space
- Equipment needs and cost for in-house productions in your creative practice
There are two options for participating in the Community Forum:
UPDATE: Due to low registration, AAI has postponed the Wednesday evening virtual event discussing the model of a Production Studio: Space with ready-to-use production equipment. Please email us at [email protected] if you have thoughts or comments and stay tuned for a new Community Forum date announcement where more participants can add to the conversation.