BOX 13

BOX 13 ArtSpace is an artist run nonprofit innovative environment for the creation and advancement of experimental contemporary art in Houston. BOX 13 artists create this environment through the offering of affordable workspaces for emerging and established artists, dedicating five interior spaces to the exhibition of artistic explorations, a window gallery for installations and an outdoor courtyard space. BOX 13 promotes dialogue among artists and the art community on current trends affecting the arts.

How is the project operated?
Artist- run, 501c3 non-profit.

Est. January 2008 (in our 3rd year).

What was your motivation?
To provide affordable workspaces for emerging and established artists and exhibition opportunities.

Number of organizers/responsible persons of the project.
15 current member artists, 8 serving on board of directors, 5 outside board members.

How are programs funded?
Membership dues, fundraising events, sponsors/donors, grants

Who is responsible for the programming?
Board of directors select exhibitions from artist proposals. Artists are primarily responsible for their exhibitions, with volunteer Exhibition Coordinator serving as liaison to the organization.

Number and average duration of exhibitions/events per year.
18-20 exhibitions per year (6 groups of exhibitions with at least 3 exhibitions in each group), on view for 5 weeks. In addition to BOX 13 exhibitions, member artists also organize exhibitions in their studio spaces and in spaces and throughout the building including:
The Closet BOX organized by Elaine Bradford.
The Kenmore organized by Emily Sloan.
RED WHITE YELLOW Gallery organized by Jenny Schlief.

What kind of events are usually organized?
Exhibitions, receptions, occasional artist talks, fundraisers.

How is your programming determined?
Based on proposals submitted by artists.
Additional exhibitions and events organized by BOX 13 member artists.

Do you accept proposals/submissions?
Yes (deadline is usually in October).

What is your artistic/curatorial approach?
BOX 13 tries to provide space for artwork that is new and interesting, and we hope to give both emerging and established artists the opportunity to experiment on projects that might not be viable for other gallery settings.

What’s working? What’s not working?
We’re always working. Running a volunteer space is a lot of work, but he Houston art community has been pretty supportive. Always looking for new ways to get people involved and engage with the community.

What kind of role do you hope to play in your local art scene or community?
We prove that if you believe in it, it can happen. Hopefully we are a place where the community knows they will find great artists and engaging exhibitions. We want to begin to get the underserved community of the East End of Houston, where our building is located, more involved in the art that is going on around them.

What idea are you most excited about for the future?
Collaborative group exhibition by BOX 13 member artists at Texas State University in 2012.
Having enough funding that we could afford honorariums for all exhibiting artists.
The possibility of a funded residency in the studio someday.
Space travel for artists.