UICA Previews 2012-13 Programming

Media Contact:
Phil Meade
External Relations Manager
phil@uica.org
616-454-7000 x19

UICA Previews 2012-13 Programming

Highlights Include:

UICA's expansion of the Film Programming and Exhibitions
by Local and National Artists.

ArtPrize Returns, Debuting UICA’s 4th and 5th Floor Galleries.

Expansion of UICA's Education Programs for Adults, Children and Families, including “Family Saturdays,” Fellowships, and “Quirkshops.”

UICA's special programs, including “The Odd Ball” and “End of the World Party.”

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 12, 2012 – On July 12 at 8:30 PM, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts announced the upcoming programs for its 2012-13 Season. Kathryn Chaplow, UICA’s Board President, and Elizabeth Goddard, UICA’s Director of Exhibitions, presented highlights from the upcoming season of exhibitions, films, special and educational programs through June 2013. This year, UICA will host over 75 contemporary art exhibitions, over 60 independent films and over 20 educational programs for families, teens and adults. UICA will also return to film screenings six days a week and present artwork for ArtPrize 2012 on its brand new 4th and 5th floors. Programs like ArtPrize and UICA’s national-award-winning ArtWorks Youth Program both enhance the cultural landscape of West Michigan and establish a haven for creative expression and provide artistic career advancement.

Highlights of the 2012-2013 season appear below. Please email Phil Meade at phil@uica.org for a full description of all upcoming programs.

EXHIBITIONS

ArtPrize 2012: Somewhere Else
UICA’s fall exhibition features artwork on its 4th and 5th floors for ArtPrize 2012, launching on September 18 with The Odd Ball event. UICA present this thematic exhibition, called Somewhere Else, featuring artwork that transports viewers to other places.

Utopia/Dystopia
UICA’s winter exhibition begins on December 21 and includes artwork based on the Mayas' prediction of The End of the World and mass media’s portrayal of yet another fantastic apocalyptic scenario.

Limit(less)
UICA’s spring exhibition opens on March 1 and explores a variety of limitations. By merely existing in a civilized community, we live with limits and this exhibition features artists’ responses to them and whether they are an asset or a burden.

CHROMA
UICA’s summer exhibition launches on May 10, featuring artwork that focuses on color, or the lack of color, as the central element of expression.

FILM

UICA will return to screening films six days per week, starting on July 13, 2012.

The upcoming films this summer include: Your Sister’s Sister, opening on July 13 and starring Emily Blunt, Rosemarie DeWitt and Mark Duplass. Shut Up and Play the Hits is a one-night-only screening that chronicles the final performance of LCD Soundsystem at Madison Square Garden. Peace, Love & Misunderstanding opens on August 3 and stars Jane Fonda, Catherine Keener and Elizabeth Olsen. Take This Waltz opens on August 10 and features Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen and Sarah Silverman. Finally, First Position chronicles the stories of young dancers who enter one of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions, the Youth America Grand Prix.

Open Projector Night
Opens October 9, 2012
This new free program takes place on the second Tuesday of every month and gives filmmakers a platform for showcasing their own work in UICA’s state-of-the-art Film Theatre.

UICA’s First Annual Curated Short Film Festival
UICA debuts this one-day festival in the Spring of 2013, featuring awards and categories targeted at both students and professional filmmakers. The festival provides an exciting new platform for artists working in our community to receive recognition and acclaim.

EDUCATION

On August 9, 2012, UICA’s national-award-winning youth program, ArtWorks, unveils a mural inspired by the Heartside Neighborhood at 106 S. Division. This mural was created by 12 young people and is collaboration with the Avenue for the Arts.

UICA will launch three new Education Programs this summer, Adult Quirkshops, Teen Nights and Family Saturdays.

Family Saturdays
Opens August 4, 2012
On the first Saturday of every month, families can stop by UICA to create their very own works of contemporary art connected to the art on exhibition.

Quirkshops
Opens September 6, 2012
On the second Thursday of every month, UICA features the hottest new thing in town, adult Quirkshops! Starting with a Down & Dirty Date Night in UICA’s Ceramics Studio, Quirkshops welcome artists, non-artists and everyone in between to stretch their creative capacities with unexpected hands-on, one-night art making workshops.

ArtWorks Teen Night
Beginning in January 2013, ArtWorks Teen Night provides students with informal opportunities to be engaged through art-related, career explorative experiences.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

The Odd Ball
September 18, 2012
The Odd Ball is an electrifying event featuring performances, thrilling exhibitions, costumes, an artful array of food and an otherworldly theme. This year’s event celebrates UICA’s 35th anniversary and is the debut opportunity for guests to experience floors four and five of the new UICA building. UICA’s ArtPrize exhibits will be in place, and will offer guests a rare sneak peek of some potentially award-winning entries.

Women + the Arts Luncheon
November 14, 2012
The Women + the Arts Luncheon, an annual event, celebrates creative women and girls in our community. The event includes a featured keynote speaker, chance auction, networking and a delightful lunch.

Holiday Artists’ Market
November 30 – December 1, 2012
The 24th annual Holiday Artists’ Market at UICA is a unique sale and a delight for holiday shoppers who seek one-of-a-kind works by the region’s most exciting artists. Beverages, snacks and a children’s workshop ensure an enjoyable shopping experience for all.

End of the World Party
December 21, 2012
In conjunction with the launch of Utopia/Dystopia, join UICA for a party celebrating the End of the World on December 21, 2012, an apocalyptic moment in time prophesied by indigenous cultures such as the ancient Mayas. Enjoy live music, performances, food and drink as we recognize the end of a world view that has dominated human culture for centuries. Unexpected twists and turns are sure to delight during this festive and high-spirited party.

Live Coverage
February 16, 2013
Showcasing more than fifty of West Michigan’s most dynamic visual artists, Live Coverage features one-of-a-kind works of art, created right before your eyes!