Expo for Indie Arts gets to workBy Caitlin Donohue
Burlesque pistol Bunny Pistol gets more comfortable on the Expo for Independent Arts stage on Saturday
In a world where Rupert Murdochs and Borders Books cast their shadows over the city streets, where rent payments and the IRS hovers over upstanding creative citizens -- in a world that tries its best to homogenize and monetize its art and artists, the bat signal is permanently alight for cape crusaders like the Independent Arts & Media producers’ co-op. The group was started in 2000 to provide resources and support to autonomous voices in art and media and lucky us, their centerpiece event of the year, the Expo for Independent Arts, is this weekend and it’s gonna kick ass. Dig the scene - whether your bag is selling your indie art, copping some indie art or just checking out what’s going down with Bay creatives.
Four Corners Mural Project South Bay by Expo artist Andy Gouveia
On Friday Berkeley will play host to the Symposium, the learning segment of the massive shindig. There’ll be experts champing at the bit to teach about everything from DIY career planning and low budget marketing techniques to how to self- pitch fast (in an elevator, no less!).
Plus, get down on some theory with lectures on art-based community making and the artist as a worker. Registration’s still open -- prices range from the “struggling artist” free pass to 35 bones for the “arts and culture professional/executive,” easy access for those learning to be their own superhero.
The Expo itself is on Friday at the Music Concourse Bandshell, between the Academy of Sciences and the DeYoung. A lovely spot to enjoy the totally fabulous non-corporate art community in our midst. There will be over 120 tables representing creative groups and individuals; from art galleries and comic book artists to SCRAP and the Women’s Film Institute. So browse and shop and support and when you’re done with that, settle down at the stage for all day performances by the Raging Grannies, The Temple of Poi and a burlesque blowout by Bunny Pistol herself. Additional eye candy will be supplied by the Four Corners Mural Project, a live art demonstration by wall artists from all corners of the Bay.
Symposium: Fri/25 11 a.m.- 7 p.m., free à $35
The David Brower Center
2150 Allston Way, Berkeley
Expo: Sat/26 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., free
Music Concourse, Golden Gate Park
55 Music Concourse Drive, SF
(415) 738-4975
www.artsandmedia.net
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