Featured Gallery
A curated collection of galleries who work with Cultivate, as well as local and regional artists. The featured gallery program at Cultivate serves to share the gallery's work and process with the community, inviting them to understand how and why an galleries select and showcase the work they do, to market and promote artistic spaces, and to connect them to our network of curators, artists, and other gallery owners.
These galleries are curated together and represent the mission that we exhibit at Cultivate. The galleries are selected in January and June, and scheduled out for the six-month period. If you are interested in being one of Cultivate featured galleries, please email hello@cultivategrandrapids.org.
The DAAC
Briefly describe your gallery/museum space and what you enjoy about it.
We have two rooms to exhibit artwork. 7 art hanging rails for easy installation of artwork, gallery lighting and moving panels for additional installation opportunities. What I enjoy about the DAAC is the ability to think up an idea and run with it. To have the space and support to host exhibits by the community. And I love that we were born and raised in anarchy, meaning we do not function in a hierarchy. All volunteers are at the same level and have the same opportunities to thrive. You can find out more at thedaac.org/about
What has been your favorite exhibit shown in your space so far? Why?
I’m like a proud mom. I love all of the exhibits so it’s hard to pick a favorite. An exhibit that really stands out to me is, time(less), a photography exhibit by K. Pershon. At first glance the images were dazzling and aesthetically pleasing. The titles for the photos were often humorous, but the concept of the exhibit was complex yet relatable.
Entrance of the DAAC Gallery. Image courtesy of thedaac.org
What is the process of choosing an exhibit? How far out do you schedule them?
We want to show works of art by the community for the community. We took a cue from the former DIY cultural center MESS HALL (Chicago, IL), to develop a ten point outline of what we as a collective believe in.
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We insist on neutral platforms for individual and cultural expression
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We value spaces run by the people who use them
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We encourage collaboration over competition
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We support the transition from a "do-it-yourself" (DIY) attitude to a "do-it-together" (DIT) community
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We strive to be inclusive and to interact with other groups and communities
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We believe everyone has something to contribute
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We believe that age should not limit participation in cultural production
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We are committed to remaining non-commercial, independent and institutionally transparent
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We strive to create a safe and accessible place that emphasizes mutual respect for all
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We believe that constructive criticism is a foundation of healthy communities
As long as the proposed works of do not go against our ten points, then you’re approved! To inquire about exhibiting at the DAAC, visit our website and fill out the booking form under the Art Booking tab. As of right now, we are scheduling the exhibits a year out.
What are the important “take-aways” you hope the community gets from your exhibit space?
The DAAC’s home is at 1553 Plainfield Ave in the Creston Neighborhood. We are proud to be part of a thriving, funky, and caring art district. We are an all-ages music, art gallery, and DIY project incubator. We strive to provide a safe and neutral space for artistic expression. We believe that everyone has something to contribute and we want to provide a space for personal expression and acceptance.
What are some programs/features your space offers that folks might not know about?
We are primarily known for our unique music bookings. Ticket sales from music shows is a primary way we pay our overhead costs. We also host artist markets, poetry nights, comedy shows, and recently hosted a karaoke night. Additionally, we work with community partners who utilize our space for various events. Namely, community partner Cultivate who hosts open studio night and life drawing classes in our space.
Artists Kae Pershon speaking with guests during the opening of her solo exhibit, time(less)
What do you strive for as an exhibit space? What is important to relay to the audience?
We strive for an inclusive exhibiting space where all ages and abilities feel welcome. We want people to feel comfortable not only coming to art shows but also purchasing works of art. A portion of the proceeds go directly back to the DAAC to help us pay our bills.
It’s important for the audience to understand that the works of art shown at the DAAC come from artists who are at varying stages of their careers. We help the artists understand how to promote their exhibit, how to professional install their artwork and how to run an exhibition opening/closing reception. We are a great spot for folks who may feel intimated about showing their work because we help them out every step of the way.
Attendees at Y-Not concert at the DAAC. Photo courtesy of Celestina Fisher
Band, Y-Not performing at the DAAC. Photo courtesy of Celestina Fisher
What are some challenges you face as a gallery/museum? Share something you’ve learned along the way.
The biggest challenge for the DAAC in general is insuring we have a consistent revenue stream. We run solely on volunteers, so everything that happens at the DAAC is out of love for the DAAC. Because we do not function as a traditional gallery/museum, we do not have regular gallery hours. It’s super important to have folks come to the exhibit opening and closing receptions. Otherwise, the community may not be able to see the work before it has to come down for the next exhibit.
Something I’ve learned along the way is that I am constantly amazed at the talent we have in our community. And that our volunteers are so generous with their time and willingness to help.
What are three regional curators/spaces that you love and would recommend for others to check out?
Muse Gallery https://musegr.com
Michele Bosak for https://www.thestandardgr.com