Re-envisioning the Avenue: new membership requirements signify more cohesive era.

For many years now South Division's Avenue for the Arts has been powered by small grants and a whole lot of volunteer time. Organizers behind the Avenue and its numerous events- including upcoming Art.Downtown. and Market- are hoping that the introduction of paid memberships will encourage people to take their vital role within the Avenue more seriously.

“Avenue for the Arts is really fueled by the residents of South Division, dedicated volunteers and artists who want a place to show and belong. Membership is going to make opportunities more accessible, identify individuals who are interested in participating and take the Avenue communications to the next level in a way that I think is really exciting” explains Avenue for the Arts Coordinator and member of Dwelling Place’s Neighborhood Revitalization Department, Jenn Schaub.

The membership database will not only enable organizers to meet their financial goals but also help them to collate and keep track of the Avenue’s many participating and resident artists and supporters, subsequently ensuring the experiences of these members are equally fruitful.

Co-owner of Avenue based gallery Craft House, Amanda Carmer, feels that the memberships will help to solidify South Division's ever increasing artistic community. “It's an indication that the Avenue is growing and developing into a legitimate organization of talented, motivated artists who want to share what they do.”

“I believe that literally buying into a group provides members with a sense of ownership that then fosters greater accountability, quality work and consistent participation,” she says.

Avenue resident and artist Taylor Greenfield hopes the new memberships will signify greater inclusion for all. “Membership is a tool that provides participants with a stronger voice, and immediately identifies them as stakeholders in a community even though they may not reside there.  

“Specifically, membership profiles on the website allow members to post information about themselves, images of their work, and to identify what kind of creative-doer they are.  These profiles are viewable to members and non-members alike, creating a pool of skilled individuals that can be drawn from for both Avenue and non-Avenue related opportunities.”

Membership fees vary depending on your role within the Avenue and how long you want your membership to last. $15 will get you a three month package; providing you with a profile in the member directory, notification of upcoming show opportunities, waived entry/class fees for the duration of your membership, promotional and exclusive opportunities to exhibit work and special member opportunities per event.

A full year of the same benefits will cost $35. There are certain concessions for residents of the avenue and students.

“We are creating an infrastructure that will engage artists throughout the entire year, through opportunities both on and off the Avenue and I wish we could fast forward a year into the future to find out how artists connect, I think it is going to be pretty rad," concludes Schaub.

For more information about becoming a member and how membership can benefit you, visit the Avenue for the Arts membership page.