DATMA celebrates its 5th anniversary. Here's how it plans to party in the Whaling City.
NEW BEDFORD – The Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute (DATMA) is celebrating its 5th Anniversary with several fun artistic plans in the works for the Whaling City.
“We are particularly excited about this year – our 5th anniversary,” shared Lindsay Mis, Executive Director of DATMA, in a press release. “We’re focused and hitting our stride featuring a wide range of entirely outdoor public art exhibitions that continue our theme of shelter.”
To celebrate the 5th anniversary of DATMA’s founding, “Shelter 2023” will kick off on June 22, and present three outdoor artwork pieces, programmatic outreach and events as well as educational workshops through October 23, 2023, according to the listed events on the official DATMA website.
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This season, DATMA invited Mark Reigelman of New York City, Maxwell Emcays from Chicago and Silvia Lopez Chavez from Boston to display their works on the theme of "shelter" along with a selection of SouthCoast artists.
The works produced discuss issues around equity, showcase the stories of those who headed to safer havens, and give insight into the lives of the people in the multifaceted economy of New Bedford along the land-water interface.
“Our artists have invested a great deal of creative time to connect with our community by working closely with students, local artists, and organizations,” Mis added.
“I’m proud of how far we’ve come in our first 5 years and look forward to many more.”
What is DATMA?
The Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute (DATMA) was created to enrich and invigorate the cultural and economic state of Southcoast Massachusetts. According to the website, with world-class art, design, and technology exhibitions, programs, and initiatives in the area of New Bedford, DATMA seeks to foster appreciation and knowledge among its visitors and citizens.
As acknowledged by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the region is identified as having tremendous creative potential- thus, DATMA collaborates with regional businesses and educational institutions, in an effort to increase public engagement and ultimately bring in more cultural resources.
Featuring the themes of “Shelter”
DATMA has presented four distinct immersive programs featuring the theme of ‘Shelter,’ 'Water,’ 'Light' and ‘Summer Winds’ with artists such as Do Ho Suh, Rael San Fratello, Abeer Seikaly, Allison Wells, Fitzcarmel LaMarre, Hyung S. Kim, Phil Mello, Craig Easton, Zimoun, MASARY Studios, Soo Sunny Park and Patrick Shearn’s Poetic Kinetics.
Each program explored various topics related to today’s housing crisis, the Underground Railroad, a 9,100-foot-long hurricane barrier; the role of water in histories, economies and cultures, 19th century whaling industry and large-scale art installations.
What other presentations are going on this season?
“Threshold,” a public art installation celebrating principles of equality and community at New Bedford's Custom House Square, will be constructed from wood and steel. Sculptor Mark Reigelman references the city's history with an open 17-ft door, double-sided façade, 8-pointed star and colorful mirrored tiles, aiming to create a welcoming environment that promotes openness and serves as a backdrop for gathering and events.
Maxwell Emcays, the winner of DATMA's first Request for Qualifications, will present his sculpture, “Our Woven Story,” inspired by African Baobab tree and Wampanoag Wetu structures. With locally upcycled clothing as a primary material, the artwork seeks to embed New Bedford’s identity, economy and social fabric into the sculpture, while drawing attention to the city’s past and current immigrants seeking shelter in new communities.
Our Woven Story intends to create a sense of creative, communicative connection amongst the different members of the city's community. It will be on display free and open to the public at the intersection of Route 18 and Union Street.
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“Community Tides,” a mural by Silvia Lopez Chavez in collaboration with New Bedford High School students, will feature the city's community, fishing industry, diverse economy and land/water life. Utilizing acrylic paint, spray paint and stencils on 223'x10' panels, students will explore STEAM technology and design innovation. Commissioned by Northern Pelagic Group (NORPEL), this semi-permanent artwork will be the first contemporary piece on Fish Island.
It will be shown free and open to the public on the NORPEL exterior wall adjacent to a prominent New Bedford roadway along the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge, prominently viewable from the land, sea and air, according to the press release.
Other programming and workshops around the city
“Open Studios on the Sidewalk” will be on view at Tonnessen Park and the entrance of Seastreak Ferry building in downtown New Bedford.
Workshops include exploring the possibility of 3D Printing, Climate Change in New Bedford and other open studio opportunities for the public.
For a list of all the programming happening this year, guests can check out the official DATMA website.
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter:@ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute celebrates five years
