What’s better than two Houston arts service organizations? Well, actually, one really awesome arts service organization. Fresh Arts Coalition and Spacetaker are merging! As the “new” Fresh Arts, we’ll be able to serve artists and arts organizations more effectively and responsively, capitalize on combined resources and bring the community even greater access to the creative talent thriving in our city. Learn more about these exciting changes first on our Merger FAQ page. We’ll be in transition over the next few months and will keep you updated on our blog.
SPACETAKER'S MISSION
Spacetaker is a 501(c)3 professional organization and Artist Resource Center located in Houston’s First Ward whose mission is to provide artists and non-profits access to economic development, continuing education, and networking opportunities to support their professional growth.
FRESH ARTS MISSION
Fresh Arts Coalition is a collaborative of small and mid-sized Houston arts organizations that markets the importance of the arts to the public and builds audience participation through increased visibility, collaborative efforts and advocacy.
So what is Spacetaker about?
In 2001, Spacetaker.org began with a simple idea: provide a place on the web for Houston artists and organizations to promote their work. Since its inception, Spacetaker has grown into a dynamic, multifaceted organization dedicated to equipping local artists to succeed in the business of art.
Most notably, Spacetaker opened the Artists Resource Center or ARC in 2008—envisioned as a haven for local artists to gather. It continues to evolve as a workshop classroom, exhibition space, technology lab, and complement to Spacetaker’s presence on the web.
In the fall of 2009, Spacetaker launched the latest manifestation of Spacetaker.org with an updated look and expanded capabilities. The new site gives artists and organizations control over their web portfolios, so the Artists Registry is always up to date. Artists can now upload their upcoming events and sell their pieces at the ecommerce shop. The new Field Guide provides and extensive database of tools, materials, and services. And, the popular Culture Guide has been expanded and reorganized to bring audiences the finest art events Houston has to offer.
The launch of the site begins a new chapter in Spacetaker’s exciting history. The organization is focused on keeping Houston artists and the businesses who support them on the cutting edge of economic, educational, and networking opportunities.
Grow
A sculptor graduates with a degree in art or a cellist finishes studies at a conservatory…and then what? Business classes are typically absent from even the best arts training. Spacetaker meets that need. From marketing workshops to QuickBooks training, we’re focused on equipping artists with the skills they need to succeed in the business of art.
Thrive
Spacetaker endeavors to make the ‘starving artist’ cliché a thing of the past. Spacetaker provides opportunities for artists to generate income—whether it’s through sales at our Winter Holiday Art Market, proceeds from our Cultured Cocktails program, partner exhibitions with local businesses, or performance fees for our special events
Connect
Networking can sound so dirty! Instead, Spacetaker wants to be a home base for artists who have moved out of nurturing studio environments and into the big, bad world. Spacetaker facilitates artist collaboration, peer-to-peer feedback, relationships with local businesses, and connections with the community at large. Everyone is welcome at the weekly Cultured Cocktails, the monthly Artist SPEAKeasy events, and at any of our other family-oriented activities.
To download Spacetaker's 2009-2010 Annual Report, click HERE.
For a full list of Spacetaker's programming, click HERE.
