Locust Projects stands as a beacon of artistic innovation and experimentation in Miami’s vibrant cultural landscape. As the city’s longest-running nonprofit alternative art space, Locust Projects has been at the forefront of nurturing ambitious and boundary-pushing art for over two decades.
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ContactA Rich History of Artist Support
Founded in 1998 by a trio of Miami-based artists – Elizabeth Withstandley, Westen Charles, and COOPER – Locust Projects was born out of a desire to create a space where artists could take risks and push the boundaries of their practice. From its humble beginnings in a converted Wynwood warehouse to its current 8,000+ square foot industrial space in Little River, Locust Projects has remained true to its founding mission: to produce, present, and nurture ambitious and experimental new art.
A Unique Artistic Laboratory
What sets Locust Projects apart is its unwavering commitment to giving artists the freedom and space to realize ambitious ideas that might not find a home elsewhere. As the only organization in Miami focused on commissioning experimental large-scale exhibitions, Locust Projects provides a vital platform for artists to dream big and introduce the public to new art and ideas relevant to Miami and the times we live in.
Core Programs and Initiatives
Locust Projects’ work revolves around three core areas:
- Commissioned Exhibitions: The heart of Locust Projects’ programming, these exhibitions give local, national, and international artists the opportunity to create ambitious new work.
- Artist Residencies: Providing artists with time, space, and resources to develop their practice and engage with the Miami community.
- Public Programs: A robust calendar of events, including artist talks, workshops, and summer art intensives for teens, that foster dialogue and engagement around contemporary art and curatorial practice.
A Commitment to Artistic Freedom
One of the most remarkable aspects of Locust Projects is its commitment to supporting artists without the pressures of commercial success. By providing project grants, production budgets, and even access to pro bono legal services, Locust Projects empowers artists to take risks and push their practice in new directions.
The New Space: A Canvas for Big Ideas
In 2023, Locust Projects moved to a new, expanded space in Little River, doubling its size to over 8,000 square feet. This industrial warehouse has become a true laboratory for artists, offering expansive room for large-scale installations, performances, and multimedia projects. The move represents not just a physical expansion, but a broadening of Locust Projects’ vision and impact on Miami’s art scene.
Community Impact and Engagement
Beyond its role as an exhibition space, Locust Projects plays a vital part in Miami’s cultural ecosystem. Through initiatives like the WaveMaker Grants program, which has awarded over $630,000 to 127 of Miami’s most visionary artists, curators, and collectives since 2015, Locust Projects actively invests in the local arts community.
Open Call Opportunities
Locust Projects regularly invites local, national, and international artists to apply for opportunities to create new work in their Main Gallery. These open calls are juried by a rotating panel of past exhibiting artists and local curators, ensuring a diverse and dynamic selection process.
Visiting Locust Projects
Located at 297 NE 67th St, Miami, FL 33138, Locust Projects welcomes visitors Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free, making cutting-edge contemporary art accessible to all.
Looking to the Future
As Locust Projects continues to evolve, it remains committed to its core mission of supporting artistic experimentation and fostering dialogue around contemporary art. With its expanded space, dedicated team, and unwavering support for artists, Locust Projects is poised to remain at the forefront of Miami’s dynamic art scene for years to come.
Whether you’re an artist looking for a platform to realize your boldest ideas, a collector interested in discovering the next big thing, or simply an art lover eager to experience something new, Locust Projects offers a unique and vital space in Miami’s cultural landscape. It’s more than just a gallery – it’s a laboratory for creativity, an incubator for new ideas, and a testament to the power of artistic freedom.
Citations: [1] https://www.locustprojects.org [2] https://www.locustprojects.org/about/mission-and-history/ [3] https://contemporaryand.com/exhibition/2024-main-gallery-open-call/ [4] https://communitynewspapers.com/biscayne-bay/munisha-underhill-joins-locust-projects-as-organizations-first-deputy-director/ [5] https://warholfoundation.org/2024/09/02/2024-wavemakers-wavemaker-grants-at-locust-projects/