what is bau ?

b a u = b e a c o n a r t i s t u n i o n

bau exists as the collective effort of artists to broaden a path toward greater exposure for their own work, and the artistic community of which they are a part. As a mechanism for generating an audience, bau intends to be a center of creative, collaborative engagement, and intellectual exchange.

bau is being formulated as a stage for creative exploration that is liberated from the constraints of overly polished presentation for the sake of public consumption. Though not a new concept by any means, such “pure” endeavors are currently lacking in the cultural landscape of Beacon, NY. A main premise of the intent of bau is to serve as an extension of the artist’s studio. A venue, that carves out a space somewhere in between the workshop and the showroom. An environment that more strongly manifests the internal machinations of the artist’s mind and hand while mixing in the wild card of public scrutiny.

bau strives to build a structure for creating and exhibiting artwork that will engender a network within the local creative community that will spawn artist led actions promoting a robust artistic ecosystem in Beacon, and the surrounding areas. Collaboration is at the heart of the existence of bau. bau is an interaction; a series of intersections where individual efforts meet in alignment to push forward an agenda that feeds the participants creatively.
The very effort of bau is one of organic pressure. Preferences of the individual artists conjoin, and collide to form this entity, the character of which will be long in developing. With this collective quality already present in its core, bau will seek to promote collaborative exchanges among the artistic community both practically and aesthetically.

By means of forming, and strengthening the network of artists within the region, bau will support and produce programs of interchange, and discussion among producers, and audiences…

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The inaugural opening of bau took place on January 8, 2005, with a group installation by the six founding members Chris Albert, Kathy Feighery, Peter Iannarelli, Gary Jacketti, Harald Plochberger, Angelika Rinnhofer.

bau MISSION STATEMENT

bau exists as the collective effort of artists to broaden a path toward greater exposure for their own work, and the artistic community of which they are a part. As a mechanism for generating an audience, bau intends to be a center of creative, collaborative engagement, and intellectual exchange.

bau is being formulated as a stage for creative exploration that is liberated from the constraints of overly polished presentation for the sake of public consumption. Though not a new concept by any means, such “pure” endeavors are currently lacking in the cultural landscape of Beacon, NY. A main premise of the intent of bau is to serve as an extension of the artist’s studio. A venue, that carves out a space somewhere in between the workshop and the showroom. An environment that more strongly manifests the internal machinations of the artist’s mind and hand while mixing in the wild card of public scrutiny.

bau strives to build a structure for creating and exhibiting artwork that will engender a network within the local creative community that will spawn artist led actions promoting a robust artistic ecosystem in Beacon, and the surrounding areas. Collaboration is at the heart of the existence of bau. bau is an interaction; a series of intersections where individual efforts meet in alignment to push forward an agenda that feeds the participants creatively.
The very effort of bau is one of organic pressure. Preferences of the individual artists conjoin, and collide to form this entity, the character of which will be long in developing. With this collective quality already present in its core, bau will seek to promote collaborative exchanges among the artistic community both practically and aesthetically.

By means of forming, and strengthening the network of artists within the region, bau will support and produce programs of interchange, and discussion among producers, and audiences…

bau membership

P R O S P E C T U S
F O R
M E M B E R S H I P


bau is growing

bau/beacon artist union, the artists’ collective (currently 8 members) operating a gallery space on Main Street in Beacon, NY is expanding its membership.

Since January 2005 bau has been organizing and curating exhibitions of member and guest artists every month. These critically acclaimed shows have been accompanied by numerous auxiliary events, such as film/video screenings, art talks, theatrical and music performances and socio-critical presentations. Thus bau became a meeting place for the art community in the Hudson Valley area, attracting a growing number of visitors from the city.

bau’s success is based on its mission as an independent exhibition space run by its member artists.

To operate the gallery space continuously and professionally, incurring cost are divided among all members, and are determined for each upcoming year (approx. $100/month per member).
A bau membership requires a commitment for one full year. Meetings are held regularly every month. All members participate in administrative roles.

bau is a profit oriented incorporated enterprise where a percentage of sales - currently 10% of members’ sales - are reinvested to help bau grow. Members' financial contributions are used for bau's operating expenses. Any additional assets from sales, donations or fundraising are used for bau's development.

A bau membership offers members the opportunity to present their projects in one solo show and one optional group show each year. Besides the possibility of mounting shows bau provides a stage for the realization of experimental projects, opportunities for voluntary curatorial tasks, and becoming connected to a fast growing network of artists, curators, galleries, media and collectors.

A bau membership is not limited to artists working in the field of visual arts.

If you are interested in a bau membership and would like to become part of the bau project please let us know about you.

Send your submission package to:

bau/ beacon artist union
161 Main Street
Beacon, NY 12508

845 440 7584
bauinfo@optonline.net
www.beaconartistunion.com


Submission deadline: October 1, 2006

After reviewing your information we will respond within 4 – 6 weeks. We will be happy to arrange a personal interview.
To help us with the reviewing process, please send us your package earlier than the 1st of October, if possible.

Submission package:

• Current artist resume with exhibition history
• Artist statement describing your work
• Your expectations of being a bau member and the skills you want to bring to bau
• 6 – 8 images of recent work, 300 dpi jpegs (max size 8x10) on a CD
• Printed numbered image list




bau/beacon artist union
Beacon, July 2006