One of the best ways to start an open studios event or alternative space is to talk to someone who has a space or has organized an open studios event. Invite the person over for dinner and/or volunteer with them to learn the ropes. See our section that lists Open Studios Events and Artist Run Alternative Spaces to get some numbers to call. Also see our section on Open Studio Tips.
If you want to become a nonprofit organization, call the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) (617) 350-7600, Associated Grant Makers of Massachusetts (AGM) (617) 426-2606 and/or The Boston Public Library (BPL) (617) 536-5400 to get more info
Running a space or organizing an open studios event TAKES a lot of time and energy. See if you can get some other folks involved. One needs to be well organized. You will also have to have some money to do these events: money for invites (depending on your budget- invites can range from photo copied flyers to color postcards), mailings, food for the reception (unless you make it potluck). Again you don't need to have to tons of money to do these events.
You will more than likely want your space or event to come off as being somewhat professional. Make sure you have a consistent letter head. Do your "communications" on a computer with a good quality printer (doesn't have to be a laser printer). Make sure what you send out is well written with no typos or grammatical errors.
If you are starting up an alternative art space make sure you have a consistent contact phone number/person and regular public hours (you will not get reviews or a calendar listing if you do not have some public hours it can be one day a week from 1-4pm to satisfy this requirement). Make sure you can keep the hours you are listing. Nothing is worse than having someone come (ie a curator or the press) during your "listed" normal hours and you are not open. Chances are they won't come back again- especially if you are a new space.
Get your publicity out on time. See our section on Press kits.
Do Not over program. New spaces make the mistake of doing too many things at once or of programming short exhibitions!! Do one or two things well, not several unprofessionally! Too many new spaces program exhibits for too short of time frame and wind up burning themselves out. Remember, if you are trying to get press coverage and foot traffic, having 3-6 week long exhibits are a better bet.
A contract or a letter spelling out what you will provide and what the artists/performers are responsible for is also very important. Verbally telling someone a deadline or show dates will often backfire!! If you do not have insurance for your space- make sure all participating/exhibiting parties are aware of this and have them sign a contract acknowledging this fact (again go to the BPL or call the VLA to see examples of contracts). In your contract you might also what to spell out who is responsible for what, deadlines, if you are going to take a commission and what the percentage will be, etc.
Good luck!
