Produced once a year by the all-volunteer organization Arts in Bushwick, Bushwick Open Studios takes over the eponymous neighborhood and a vast swath of its environs every June, right at the outset—May 31-June 2 this time. We spoke with several organizers to get an idea of how BOS 2013 is shaping up.
Over the years, BOS has expanded both internally and externally—or rather geographically, conceptually, disciplinarily and in terms of participatory densities. What’s the nature of its growth or expansion this year?
Holly Shen Chavez: The density growth of BOS is astounding. The map borders were actually made smaller in 2012, but our registration numbers continue to increase by at least 25 percent. In 2012, for example, we had 552 registered studios; this year we surpassed that number by the end of April, with three weeks still left to register. The more crucial growth, however, lies in our expanded community outreach programs, and in the leadership changes the organization has seen in the last two years. We’ve also launched a new blog and added three new events.
Afterparties and musical performances have always been key components of BOS weekends. What’s in store this year?
Samantha Katz: The official BOS Launch Party will be on Friday, May 31, at Shea Stadium. A truly local affair, the event will showcase music by Eula, Lodro, and Darlings. DJ Mr. Ad Hoc will spin between sets. The BOS Music Festival will be bigger than ever with three days of performances at Don Pedro, Lone Wolf and Brooklyn Fire Proof. Electronic Music Showcase, a new bit of programming, is on June 1 at Bossa Nova Civic Club.
A great example of the increasing multi-disciplinarity of BOS is this year’s film festival. How did that come about?
Mandy Mandelstein: CinemaSunday gives emerging Bushwick video artists and filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work on the big screen. It’s comprised of two thematic screening blocks: “Concrete,” a collection of films rooted in reality and inspired by street life in NYC; and “Flux,” a gathering of surreal, fantastical, bizarre films. Another exciting screening we’ve got lined up is “The Pizzatrope,” a how-to guide for combining early animation techniques, gifs, and pizza.
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