SOURCE/MATERIAL
A project of The Building Fund, SOURCE/MATERIAL is a nexus for visual arts research, production, and exchange in Downtown Westville. Our storefront features a hybrid art gallery, lending library, and barter bank, while also operating as the headquarters for Artists’ Bloc and its community programs. SOURCE/MATERIAL facilitates the open exchange of ideas, materials, and resources across artistic disciplines.
Our art library lends artist books and other source materials for a nominal fee, while also inviting readers to make use of our reading nook and co-working space during library hours. The library hosts regular author talks and writing workshops, unlocking vital sources of inspiration and uplifting underrepresented voices in art history.
Our contemporary art gallery predominantly represents and showcases the work of CT-based artists, including but not limited to Artists’ Blocmembers. The gallery hosts regular artist talks and workshops, expanding access to arts education for learners and makers of all ages.
Our barter bank reaches across our vast network to: curate a directory of artists and other creatives in the area; open forums to discuss shared challenges; list professional resources and job opportunities; match-make potential project collaborators and thought partners; and exchange artistic materials, goods, and services.
The remaining space fosters collective study through its reading nook, coworking area, and materials archive. Neighbors are encouraged to gather, co-ideate, exchange materials, and engage one another as potential collaborators and thought partners. SOURCE/MATERIAL is activated most regularly by Artists’ Bloc, our artist collective that hosts regular member meetups and public programs in the space.
