Dama Gallery

Dama Gallery has emerged as one of the most exciting and influential players in the contemporary art scene. With locations in Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Austin, this innovative gallery is making waves by discovering and showcasing visionary artists from around the world. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Dama Gallery so special.

A Commitment to Emerging Artists

One of the key things that sets Dama Gallery apart is its dedication to providing exhibition opportunities to emerging and underrepresented artists. As one of the few established galleries that actively considers non-represented artists, Dama aims to discover and feature the latest voices shaping contemporary art movements[1].

Through open calls on platforms like CaFÉ (CallForEntry.org), Dama invites artists of all genres and mediums to submit their work for consideration in upcoming exhibitions[1][10]. This democratic approach allows the gallery to tap into a diverse pool of talent and present fresh perspectives.

For example, their current open call for the Downtown Austin location seeks submissions exploring cultural commentary through individual experiences and identities[1][19]. By focusing on socially relevant themes, Dama positions itself at the forefront of the cultural conversation.

Dynamic Exhibition Spaces

Another factor in Dama’s success is its captivating and unique exhibition spaces. The Downtown LA location, situated in a converted warehouse that was once a major banana loading dock, exudes a romantic, old Havana vibe with its art deco design, tropical foliage, and breezy indoor-outdoor layout[5]. This atmospheric setting perfectly complements the bold, boundary-pushing art on display.

Meanwhile, the Mexico City outpost, known as The Bureau of Queer Art, occupies a charming three-story colonial building in the vibrant Colonia Juárez neighborhood[2]. With 1200 square feet of exhibition space, it serves as a hub for the city’s thriving art community and hosts thought-provoking shows curated by Dama director Micheal Swank.

Diverse Programming

In addition to its rotating exhibitions, Dama Gallery offers a range of programming to engage audiences and support artists. This multifaceted approach includes:

• Artist talks, panel discussions, and interviews to dive deeper into exhibiting artists’ work and processes[1][19]
• An international artist residency to nurture the development of emerging talent[1]
• The quarterly publication ART QUARTERLY, a visual diary documenting cultural commentary from featured artists[19]
• Collaborations with online platform Artsy to expand reach and provide sales support to artists[1][2]

By creating opportunities for dialogue, professional development, and exposure, Dama demonstrates its commitment to championing artists and fostering appreciation for their work. Collectors and art lovers can discover exciting new artists like Miguel Casco[18] and Devin Chicas[15] through Dama’s diverse roster.

Curatorial Vision

At the helm of Dama Gallery is the visionary curator Micheal Swank. With an impressive background including a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, an MA from Pepperdine, and experience leading art and design education programs, Swank brings a keen eye and intellectual rigor to his curatorial practice[2].

Swank’s exhibition philosophy centers on showcasing artists who push boundaries and offer new perspectives. He’s particularly interested in work that grapples with identity, social commentary, and the intersection of art and lived experience[2][19]. This focus fosters gallery presentations that feel vital, timely, and relevant to contemporary issues.

Recent standout shows include Minga by Dominga Ortúzar, a fourth-generation Chilean textile artist examining the craft’s cultural history and meaning[13], and Devin Chicas’ work exploring cultural identity through her travels[15]. By identifying and supporting artists with unique voices, Swank has established Dama as a launch pad for rising talent.

Community Impact

Beyond its contributions to the art world, Dama Gallery is also making a positive impact in the communities it calls home. Its presence in the Fashion District has helped cement the neighborhood’s reputation as a cultural destination and complements the area’s trendy restaurants and shops[5][9].

Dama enlivens its surroundings by participating in local events like the Downtown LA Art Walk, organizing public programming, and drawing new audiences to experience and engage with contemporary art. It’s become a gathering place not just for art aficionados but for anyone curious to expand their cultural horizons.

The gallery also gives back through charitable partnerships and events. For example, a portion of sales from certain exhibitions may be donated to organizations supporting emerging artists or arts education initiatives. By investing in its local art ecosystems, Dama helps build a brighter future for creatives.

The Future is Bright

As Dama Gallery continues to grow and evolve, it shows no signs of slowing down its mission to champion groundbreaking contemporary art. With plans to expand to new cities, develop its residency program, and launch digital initiatives, the gallery is poised to make an even bigger splash in the years to come.

For artists, Dama represents an exciting opportunity to gain exposure, build their careers, and connect with new audiences. And for collectors and art enthusiasts, the gallery is a must-visit destination to discover the most provocative and compelling voices of our time.

If you’re passionate about contemporary art and want to experience it in dynamic, immersive spaces, look no further than Dama Gallery. With its finger firmly on the pulse of the art world, this innovative institution is not to be missed. Keep an eye out for upcoming exhibitions, events, and initiatives – you won’t be disappointed.

Citations: [1] https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=13246 [2] https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=12903 [3] https://la.eater.com/2019/2/1/18207114/la-times-critics-reviews-dama-downtown-highland-park-hippo [4] https://dama-phila.org/about [5] https://www.latimes.com/food/la-fo-patricia-escarcega-review-dama-20190131-story.html [6] https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/palazzo-dama [7] https://damapastry.com [8] https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/giovanni-battista-moroni-portrait-of-a-lady-la-dama-in-rosso [9] https://www.yelp.com/biz/dama-los-angeles-6 [10] https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals.php [11] https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/waterhouse-the-lady-of-shalott-n01543 [12] https://walkingdead.fandom.com/wiki/The_Dama_%28Dead_City%29 [13] https://damagallery.com/elcantidadporcalidad [14] https://romeartprogram.org/art-whatever-it-takes-interview-with-francesco-dama/ [15] https://damagallery.com/devin-chicas [16] https://www.nycgovparks.org/art/art166 [17] https://www.artsy.net/partner/dama-gallery [18] https://www.artsy.net/partner/dama-gallery/artists/miguel-casco [19] https://damagallery.com [20] https://walkingdead.fandom.com/wiki/The_Dama_%28Dead_City%29/Gallery