Thanks to all who came out to enjoy Small Space Fest.  Our collective is working on bringing other events to Las Vegas.  Stay tuned.

Introduction to the Fest: The Weft in the Weave Collective is gathering together visual and performing artists from diverse creative backgrounds for one night of expansive works in unique, small spaces.  These works and performances will be installed in the Emergency Arts Building, a creative collective, housed in a former medical complex in downtown Las Vegas.  Using the event as a conduit, we seek to spark generative conversations and ongoing exchanges between local and visiting artists.  We also seek to deepen the relationships between the artists and the local community.

The image that sparked our imaginations:

The potential.  The possibility.  The challenge.  What can happen? How can we transform the space and unleash its potential?  What new artistic discoveries can be found in the architecture of the space?

One of the most wonderful things about this building is its history as an all-access public institution, and we are excited by this non-traditional, public nature of the space.  Presenting work in an informal venue allows people who might normally be too intimidated to enter a gallery the freedom to interact with and enjoy art in a way that they may not have experienced before.

The theme of the project is the space itself.  Artists will install performances and artworks into every possible space including overlooked,  architectural spaces including the ceiling, broom closets, inside cabinets, drawers, the floor, elevators, stairwells, cracks and corners.  Imagine an opera production going on in the hallway, a diorama installed in the broom closet, a burlesque show in the freight elevator, paintings, sculptures, installations on the ceiling or steps.  The possibilities are endless.

We have 80 visual and performing artists that will make these possibilities a reality.  Click here to see who they are.

Together, these artists will create an unforgettable collaborative experience that includes music, painting, photography, dance, opera, theatre, new media, in other words: an all-inclusive event that weaves together art forms, unifying them as a cohesive, explosive, provocative whole.  The visual art will be on view from June 20th to July 21st.  Theatre, dance, opera and music performances will take place periodically throughout the building on June 20th only.  The audience will self-direct themselves around the building.  See Performance Line Up HERE

Community Engagement

Invited artists will be teaching workshops for the community leading up to the opening of the event.  Detailed information and scheduling coming soon. Possible workshops include community mural/assemblage, partnering with the Las Vegas LGBTQ center, art making for children and families, artist talks, theatre and dance workshops, and art demonstrations.

Peer to Peer engagement

Events prior to Small Space Fest will include meet and greet functions, dinners for local and visiting artists hosted by members of the community, and a salon open to the public where participating artists exchange ideas around current art making topics and challenges.

We aim to create lasting partnerships with the Las Vegas community, local businesses and organizations. We see this festival as one step towards creating a wider social network between the art makers of Las Vegas and like-minded national artists, affirming Las Vegas' identity as a vibrant arts hub and an exciting destination for the creation and launching of new contemporary works. 

Select work samples from artists participating in Small Space Fest 2016: