ArtistLink
MISSION
ArtistLink works collaboratively to create a stable yet dynamic environment for Massachusetts artists and to support their increased contributions to our society and local communities.
ArtistLink achieves this mission by taking a leadership role on artist space by providing individual artists, developers, and municipalities with targeted information and technical assistance and by advocating for relevant policy changes at the state level. Through partnerships with other organizations in New England and across the country, ArtistLink shares best practices and participates in the development and execution of new models of artist assistance.
TARGETED WORK IN THREE AREAS
1. Preservation and creation of permanent and affordable artist space. For ArtistLink, 'artist space' is any building which contains a permanent, affordable space in which artist can create their work (e.g. any mix of rental and/or ownership of work, live-work, and living space, band or theater rehearsal space and community art centers). ArtistLink focuses on assisting individual artists, arts-minded organizations, real-estate developers (both for and non-profit), municipalities, and others primarily in the pre-development phase.
SERVICES PROVIDED
- Feasibility assessments
- Information and access to the artist market
- Connection to potential funding sources
- Connection to services (legal, insurance, green building, code consulting)
- Building collaborations with key development officials
- Assist artist groups with real estate search
2. Policy work at the state and local level to encourage artist-friendly policies For municipal policy, ArtistLink provides advocacy/policy advice on artist issues including arts district zonings, assistance with restricting buildings for artists and assistance sale of municipal buildings for artist use. A state level policy initiative is being apped out for the future.
3. Resources for individual artists on a comprehensive web site (under construction),
Including:
- Comprehensive real estate info
- On-line listing service for artist space
- Research needs and impact of artists
- Links to important organizations
- Connection and coordination with national LINC website (www.lincnet.net)
ArtistLink was formed through the collaborative effort of The Boston Foundation, the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA), LEF Foundation, Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA), Boston Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), The Mayor's Office of Arts, Tourism and Special Events, and the Barr Foundation. It was catalyzed by a grant from Leveraging Investments in Creativity (LINC).
