Artists’ Bloc

A Membership Platform for Aesthetic Research, Skills Exchange & Coalition Building

Working against artist’s block–a term used to characterize states of creative stagnation–Artists’ Bloc encourages collaborative study, dynamic partnerships, and civic participation in addressing very real obstacles to artistic production. Artists’ Bloc consists of three core pillars that empower artists to stay inspired, and to dream and build beyond their current circumstance: The Art Library, Bartertown, and The Culture Club. Stay tuned–we are actively fundraising to add a professional development curriculum to the platform in 2026.

 

The Art Library

The Art Library is a hybrid library model, where learners from all backgrounds can read leading arts publications on site for free, or borrow them for a small admin fee. With a collection of over 200 titles–ranging from limited edition artist books and zines to museum publications and art historical monographs–the Art Library unlocks vital sources of inspiration that are often ensconced within institutions or otherwise inaccessible.

The Art Library aims to fill broad gaps in the dominant art historical narrative, while celebrating the specific impact of artists of color on global visual culture. Monthly memberships–which include unlimited book rentals and access to library programs and an artist-powered learning environment–start at $10/month. For pay-what-you-wish memberships, please email the@bldg.fund.

 
4% Cover the Fee

Monthly membership fees grant Art Library Members unlimited rentals and priority access to library talks, workshops, and book clubs. The publications in our collection are intended for research, inspiration, and reference purposes only–please remember to credit their original creators. You may cancel your membership at any time and for any reason.

 
 

BARTERTOWN

Bartertown is a trading post for the free exchange of artistic goods and creative services in Greater New Haven. Neighbors are invited to join our membership community, where members can:

  • access a directory of artists and other creatives in the area

  • list professional resources and job opportunities

  • open forums to discuss shared challenges

  • solicit potential project collaborators

  • barter art materials, goods, and services

The Building Fund will curate–and serve as an active administrator on–the membership page, identifying opportunities for collaboration or exchange, and making private connections where appropriate. By matching needs to services, and ideas to skills, Bartertown empowers artists to rebuild and mobilize our local arts and culture ecosystem, on our own terms.

 
 

THE CULTURE CLUB

The Culture Club is an open membership society, where monthly dues go towards:

  • monthly member outings to arts organizations and cultural events in the region

  • members-only programs like Sunday Dinner and ArtCrawl

  • special events like curated mixers for artists/collectors, and community members/local cultural leaders

  • access to a citywide calendar of events

  • exhibition and programming opportunities

  • unlimited use of the Art Library, and access to library programs and an artist-powered learning environment

We are actively enrolling founding Culture Club members, who will not only have access to the above but will also play an active role in shaping membership benefits moving forward. Please see below for membership tiers and benefits, and to reserve your seat at the table. For pay-what-you-wish memberships, please email the@bldg.fund.

4% Cover the Fee

You may cancel your membership at any time and for any reason.