News
Newspace Center for Photography Closure
markus shearer
Jul 10, 2017
This unfortunate event is an example of why our community arts organizations need your membership, guidance and dedication more than ever! Funding for such spaces, as you know, is unproportionate in regards to the breadth and depth of their public functions. Working and volunteering at Newspace taught me more about photography and community than through any other establishment. I now acknowledge that I took NS for granted.
Over the past few years Newspace's exhibitions have leaned heavily toward group documentary shows. Issues such as labor, LGBTQ rights, the prison industrial complex (via Pete Brook's prisonphotography.org), enviornmental (water, nuclear radioactive impacts, etc.) and gentrification were widely viewed in this public space. The trajectory of Newspace's social commitment was progressive--challenging modern notions of what photography was, is and where it's going--making it one of the West Coast's preeminent photo spaces.
When Magnum stopped through town on its Postcards From America project they teamed up with Portland State University's Arts and Social Practice MFA program to deliver short term projects. The 2 week engagement culminated in a 1 night pop-up show (pictured); the largest opening in Newspace's history. It was one hell of a party, inclusive to the entire community.
We hope to rebound. We hope to bring in as many diverse voices as possible to inform the best possible public setting. These organizations can vanish literally overnight so I implore you to cherish, re-invigorate and sustain what you have.
If you happen to be in Portland tomorrow evening Monday, July 10, please come share your questions/concerns in a public meeting with the board at Newspace's old space (I know). As the decomission of NS is still extremely fresh, we'll all be learning together how to improve as a photo community.
If you have experience with similar like-minded organizations, please contact me as I'd love to pick your brain!
Sincerely,
Markus Shearer
503-313-2976
mshearer32@gmail.com
www.markusshearer.com
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