DEMO Project was a space for contemporary art in Springfield, Illinois. Launched September 2013. Demolished February 2018.
DEMO Project is an artist-run contemporary and alternative project gallery in Springfield, IL. The gallery demonstrates experimental trends in contemporary art from emerging and mid-career artists and curators. The gallery provides a pathway for experimental forms of art to exist in Central Illinois and does not pursue commercial interests. Artists use the space as they self-direct, to experiment and present without risk, while offering the community a venue to see and consider contemporary art practices. DEMO Project, a space donated for use by the Springfield Art Association and directed by artists affiliated with the University of Illinois Springfield, is slated for demolition in three years.
DEMO Project is:
Brad Balster
Brytton Bjorngaard
Shane Harris
Judah Johnson
Allison Lacher
Jeff Robinson
History:
DEMO Project, a small white house on the Springfield Art Association (SAA) campus in Springfield, IL, was built in the early twentieth century (pre-1920) as a dwelling for the servants of Alice Edwards Ferguson, who lived in the Ferguson Mansion on North Fifth Street where a community garden is now located. After the first occupants moved away, the house was occupied by caretakers of historic Edwards Place, the oldest home in Springfield which sits adjacent to DEMO Project. Under the ownership of the SAA, the DEMO Project house was used as a classroom and summer art camp space for many years. Over the past decade, however, it has been relegated to storage space. The SAA, currently with a capital campaign underway, intends to demolish the house in three years to accommodate a new ceramics and glassblowing facility. Until the time of its DEMOlition, the SAA has offered this vacant space to locally-based contemporary artists to direct as an outlet for experimental, contemporary art in the community of Springfield. The central living space of the house has been modified into a non-traditional gallery space to fulfill the mission of DEMO Project, which was launched in September 2013.
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DEMO Project
SUBMISSIONS
DEMO Project, an artist-run contemporary and alternative project gallery in Springfield, IL, demonstrates experimental trends in contemporary art from emerging and mid-career artists. We accept submissions from individual artists, collaborative teams, and curators on an ongoing basis. Artists use the raw space as they self-direct, to experiment and present without risk, while offering the community a venue to see and consider contemporary art practices. Proposals should reflect these objectives. While centered in the Central Illinois region, we are proximal to the metropolitan centers of Chicago, Saint Louis, and Indianapolis, and we welcome submissions from around the country.
We consider proposals that range from the traditional exhibition format to diverse and ambitious alternative projects, but privilege proposals that emphasize a need or desire for creative departure, risk-taking, and potential for community engagement. We are currently reviewing submissions to fill the 2014 exhibition season.
DEMO Project provides:
Installation assistance
Marketing and promotion
Enthusiasm for new ideas and efforts
In some instances, DEMO Project can arrange:
Paid lecture opportunities or studio visits in conjunction with the Visual Arts at the University of Illinois Springfield
Paid workshop opportunities
Short-term housing during the installation process
DEMO Project does not provide:
Shipping costs
Travel
Insurance
To submit a proposal:
We encourage submissions and proposals for solo exhibitions, group shows and curated shows. Submit written materials in PDF format. Email submissions with the following materials to [email protected]
Your submission should include:
• 5 to 10 images that reflect or inform the project and/or body of work that you propose
• Image list with title, date, medium, dimension and a brief description of the work
• One-page proposal for intended exhibition, concept, or project
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement
