Proposal for Artists Task Force ( ATF ) - to create temporary empty storefronts art projects
I propose that an Artists Task Force ( ATF ) is created to run temporary art/art installations in empty storefronts in New York City. ATF will support underemployed and underrepresented artists, will turn empty storefronts into cultural points, will alleviate the empty storefront blight in the city.
The ATF will be run like a start-up so it can grow or be shut down at any time depending on the rate of success of the project, will be bootstrapped and work very lean.
ATF will operate at no cost to the Real Estate spaces and very small cost to the city - the artists will be happy to present and install to gain exposure.
The ATF will match a real estate company and an artist project. The ATF will select an artist, artwork or a project and will work with the artist to facilitate installation and de-installation. ATF will ensure the artist installs/de-installs the work and returns the keys to the property.
The artist projects will be simple enough so it can be quickly installed and de-installed with minimal or no intervention to the property.
Artworks examples: a painting, a small sculpture, a small site specific installation are some examples that can be created and installed with minimal disruption.
Artists will not be compensated but will have the opportunity to hang one artwork or one installation in the space at no cost to the Real Estate company. Most artists will be happy for the exposure. Small deposit will be charged for keys and to make sure no damage is done to the property - deposit will be returned to the artist at completion of the project.
The Real Estate properties will have virtually free PR and advertisements for their spaces through ATF created art projects.