Vacancy expired!
Are you a gallery owner? Fine artist or craftsperson? Looking to open a retail shop? Or perhaps need a space for small events? Let's talk collaboration!
I'm looking to find likeminded, creative entrepreneurs interested in working together to make a gallery, shared work space, or event venue. I'm an established young antiques dealer moving to Providence in the fall. I have a showroom lined up for my work, but have my eye on the neighboring unit: An incredible commercial space in downtown Providence on Westminster Street available at a reasonable rent. It's just too good to pass up. I'd like to find talented people who have interesting ideas for the space and whose work jives with what I do. I don't see "antiques" as defining the project, but rather as integrated with and subsidiary to a joint venture bringing together multiple disciplines, including contemporary art and design. On some level, the venue would have a retail presence, as an open gallery or event space. I'm open to any and all ideas, however. If you're steeped in the Providence arts scene, get in touch and let's talk!
About the space:
1400 square feet
Second floor (with elevator access)
Hardwood floors
12 foot high ceilings
Great natural light with bay window and beautiful views of tree-lined Westminster Street
Equipped with track lighting
Significant street signage options available to tenant
Landmark building
Good foot traffic
Year lease (breakdown discussed below)
About me:
I'm 33. I'm a professional antiques dealer and have owned a sole proprietor antique shop for seven years. Looking to hone my specialty, I'm closing my retail location and focusing on developing my online store. That said, I enjoy having a retail presence and would love to have an outlet for my goods hence the desire to open a gallery-style space in Providence (and this unusual craigslist post).
Regarding what I'd contribute to the space, the antiques I love the most could be described as "art without intent," pieces which are aesthetically challenging, soulful, poetic, and accidentally beautiful. I look for visionary works by unknown artists, commonplace objects rendered transcendent with age, things shaped by compelling untold stories, and pieces that are simply fun and satisfying to encounter. Included in the photos are some examples from my inventory representing the types of things I'd like to offer in the gallery space. I try to sell things at every price point (and always have things under $50) but most items pictured range in price from $150 to $1500.
Defining the Space
What I'm hoping to do is find folks who get what I'm about and who would be interested in curating the space with art or objects which get along with what I bring to the table. Contemporary art could work. So could design-focused retail. I'm personally most drawn to the art gallery model and featuring antiques side by side with contemporary work. That said, I'm open to any and all ideas, and frankly I'd love to see other collaborators take the reigns on articulating the direction of the project.
One of the things that appeals to me most about the space would be making it a destination for small events. For instance, I have some contacts in classical music and I'd love to activate a gallery with weekly concerts. Whether it be music, readings, art installations, or what have you, the space would be great to bring people together and serve as a means to interest folks in the work available for sale.
Now you're saying: All this gallery talk is fine and good, but who's paying the rent? This would depend on who and how many people are involved in the project. Just down the street is the Vault Collective, a shared endeavor put together by multiple dealers, i.e. a "group shop." This arrangement could be similar. If multiple people got on board, it could be as little as $300 or $400 a month per person. If I partnered with one person, it might be $1000 a month or more. It's also possible a stakeholder could work the gallery or manage operations in exchange for sharing the space.
But this is all up in the air. I'm open to ideas. If you're interested, please reach out.
Reply to this message with the following:
1) Name
2) Who are you? (Brief bio)
3) What's your profession, expertise, or art?
4) What your idea for the space?
5) Would your proposed use / contribution jive with the spirit of the curated antiques pictured here?
6) Are you able to take on the added expense of sharing the rent of the unit?
7) Would you be able to help staff the gallery if needed?
8) Please send photos and/or links to online material relevant to your proposed involvement.
Feel free to ask me any questions as well. I'm happy to talk more in detail about my background and the specifics of the rental unit. Thanks for reading and I hope to hear from you!
Please note: Please don't be offended if you don't receive a reply. I'll be in touch only with people who seem like a good fit if it sounds like our visions for the space could align.
