buy my shit kit
summer 2021 public interest design fellowship // staff: José Cotto, Nick Jenisch, Emilie Taylor Welty, Rashidah Williams, Ann Yoachim
Arts Council New Orleans hosts monthly art markets at Marsalis Harmony Park(formerly Palmer Park) and City Park. With the goal of increasing access to emerging artists, ACNO conducted outreach to both new and potential market artists. They found that creating a stall to display work is a major barrier to entry to new vendors, as existing prefabricated systems require significant investment. With that in mind, they partnered with the Small Center to create a do-it-yourself prototype for artists to build themselves more affordably.
The prototype for a DIY display focuses on customization and modularity. The display is scalable based on an artist’s needs using a system of interchangeable panels. All materials for the system can be purchased at a home improvement store, for approximately $220 (nine-panel three-bay display). A variety of display setups are supported by the system, which allows for variability within the ten by ten tents used at Arts Council markets.
Fabricating this system requires a drill and access to a saw, though most home improvement stores will cut materials in-store upon request. Both the materials and the fabricated system can be transported in a small sedan with room for artwork, ensuring most have access to the means to build and bring to market. The design may be used in the relaunch of the Artists as Entrepreneurs program.
Designed + fabricated with Olivia Foster (B.A. Design ‘22).
three panel display
display variations
see the BMS kit assembly process here
parts
more on the project and the fellowship here!photo: jose cotto