The relationship between art and humanity goes back to the origins of civilization. Museums have become places where endless collections of art and artifacts tell the history of time, humankind, cities, and thousands of other stories about cultures and societies. The role of the museum has evolved throughout the years, taking various forms and scales, of which is the modern-day art gallery.
The importance of art and culture in contemporary cities and neighborhoods is indisputable, however, there are various roles that galleries play in introducing art and culture into everyday life. Why are these spaces valuable for communities? How do they foster emerging artists? How can galleries revitalize neighborhoods?
There are hundreds of ways that cities benefit from this relationship with art and culture. Cultural galleries provide a space for public participation, debates, dialogue, and meeting spaces in the communities, cultivating a sense of belonging and identity among the users. They stimulate the public appreciation of art and of diverse topics relevant to surrounding communities and cities. Besides, these spaces are usually accompanied by other uses such as coffee shops, bookstores, libraries, and event spaces that engage other markets and attract even more people.
Many galleries also work as incubators for emerging artists, often supporting them financially, but mainly by giving them the opportunity to showcase their works and reach other institutions, and the general public, consequentially, making their work more visible. They provide a space for rewinding and taking a break from the bustle of the city, as well as creating spaces for collective and individual reflection.
The galleries explored here are examples of spaces created from existing structures within cities, that went through an adaptive process and construction to become spaces for art and culture. In this sense, they can be seen as small incisions of culture into the urban fabric of neighborhoods, ushering in conversations, color, life, and community life altogether.
Storefront for Art and Architecture. New York
Founded in 1982 by Kyong Park, Storefront for Art and Architecture, with its unique facade as an exhibition platform itself, is a hub for exploration and understanding of the built environment. It brings together artists, architects, designers, and other creative professionals with the general public.
Carles Taché Art Gallery. Barcelona
Located in one of Barcelona's museum areas, this multiple-times awarded gallery is committed to the promotion of various artists and disciplines within the arts.
Galeria Superficie. São Paulo
Galeria Superficie has been supporting the development of contemporary artists' careers, Since 2014, while hosting a select program of exhibitions.
DiabloRosso Gallery. Panamá
Since 2006, DiabloRosso gallery has advocated to bringing contemporary art into communities and supporting and promoting emerging artistic talents.
Bezalel Gallery Of Contemporary Art. Tel Aviv
The gallery is the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design's own exhibition space. It features the works of the academy's students and community.
Gordon Gallery. Jerusalem
Known for its collection of fine Israeli art, the gallery was established in 1966 and since then has been exhibiting hundreds of works of art, publications, and books showcasing leading Israeli artists of the contemporary scene.
Underdogs Gallery. Lisbon
With a close connection to the urban art world, Underdogs Gallery features the work of Portuguese and international artists, while fostering relationships between artists, the general public, and the city.
Perrotin Gallery. New York
Perrotin Gallery, since its first conception in 1990, has been dedicated to helping artists fulfill their projects. Besides the exhibition of artwork, the gallery is also an editorial platform.
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