USEA Resources

The links below are provided as general information for USEA’s member artists. Inclusion on this list should not be construed as an official recommendation by USEA but as sources of information.

Government and Foundations

www.cityofboston.gov/art — city events, information of general interest to artists, applications to participate in city sponsored events and programs.

www.massculturalcouncil.org — state grant programs and applications for artists.

www.artistsfoundation.org — a lot of information and many links for artists

www.artistsfoundation.org/orphan — has specific information on orphan works bill

Health, and Finance

www.mahealthconnector.org — Free health insurance if you qualify (most artists will qualify) and are willing to see doctors in their network. Alternatively if you have health insurance and want to keep it and your present doctors, the state will refund you some of the cost of your premium. (i.e. if you pay $350 a month for Harvard Pilgrim, they may give you back $100 each month, directly into your bank account.)

www.artstaxinfo.com — information, tips, help specifically for artists.

Marketing, Promotion, Website Development

www.bbakerinc.com — Bruce Baker — help for artists with sales, marketing, self-promotion, booth design, jury slides.

www.theartrepreneur.com — artist resources for art marketing, finances and self promotion

www.wetpaint.com & google.com/sites — make your own website for free

www.templatemonster.com & ohmyflash.com — make an inexpensive website yourself

www.mals-e.com & www.virtuemart.net — free shopping cart for your site

Selected Open Studios in the Boston Area

• Allston Arts District Open Studios
  
  
• Charlestown Open Studios
  
  
• Dorchester Open Studios
  
  
• East Boston Open Studios
  
  
• Fenway Studios
  
  
• Fort Point Open Studios
  
  
• Hyde Park Open Studios
  
  
• Jamaica Plain Open Studios
  
  
• Roslindale Open Studios
  
  
• Roxbury Open Studios
  
  

BRA Artist Certification Process

www.cityofboston.gov/bra/econdev

WHAT IS AN ARTIST CERTIFICATE?
An Artist Certificate is a letter from the BRA to an artist that confirms that the artist has been reviewed by a committee of peers and is “certified” as a working artist. An Artist Certificate qualifies an artist for a period of five years as eligible for artist spaces. Upon expiration, an artist will need to seek new certification.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN ARTIST CERTIFICATE?
Any artist who can demonstrate to a committee of peers that they have a recent body of work as an artist, and who requires loft-style space to support that work, is eligible. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

WHY DO I NEED AN ARTIST CERTIFICATE?
The BRA has launched a special initiative designed to retain and expand space for artists in Boston. A central element in this new initiative is the creation of new space permanently dedicated to artists through deed restrictions or other legally binding covenants. An individual who seeks to rent or purchase one of these artist spaces will be required to submit a current Artist Certificate as proof of eligibility.

Studio Space Possibilities

(This is a very partial list. If you have suggested additions, please email to events@mpwi.org)

• Albany LLC manages 535 Albany Street — 617-426-4944
  
  
• Art Block
  
  
• Art Space Finder
  
  
• The Artist Building at 300 Summer Street
  
  
• Craig’s List
  
  
• GTI Properties — manages 450 Harrison Avenue and 46 Waltham Street
  
  
• Midway Studios
  
  

Other

www.eventlister.com — has listings of a wide variety of events in your area including those with exhibit space for artists and craftspeople.

www.bigredandshiny.com — event listings, articles, etc.

www.ning.com — create a social network (online community)