ABOUT

Our "permanent popup" offers a place for local artists, organizations, and creatives to develop a variety of events ranging from art shows and open mics to yoga classes and lessons in drag.  Thanks to OUR FUNDERS/, use of the PopUp is fully subsidized, and events are offered free and open to the public.

As a program of the WORCESTER CULTURAL COALITION/, we are dedicated to cultural equity, community engagement, collaborative co-working, and creative entrepreneurship. 

Creatives of all types: if you are seeking a space to hone and share your vision, come visit us to learn more!

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Open Office + Gallery Hours
By appointment and based on scheduled events

Visit our HOME/ page for a full calendar of events!

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Facility Specs 
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Per fire code, our total capacity is 103.
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​Our walls are 14 feet high and equipped with an "art rail" system, best suited for work designed to hang by wire. Accommodations can be made for other rigging styles if you inform us ahead of time.
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The floor is sealed concrete with an epoxy finish.
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Standard items for use include: chairs, tables, portable art walls and pedestals, portable bar, and on-site kitchen space. A projector and screen are also available, however presenters are responsible for their own laptops, HDMI adaptors, etc. If you think you may require additional items, please ask if we can be of assistance.
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We have a network of friends, businesses, and creatives with whom we may be able to connect  you, should you be looking for more assistance or advice than we can offer. However, you are entirely responsible for any help or work you may seek from a third party. 

FAQ

Got more questions?  We got answers! 
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Q: WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ALL MY MATERIALS?
A. All applications are reviewed on the Friday following the date you submit an application. From the date we first respond to your application you have TWO WEEKS to complete the process and submit materials for review.  Your date will be released back to the public if you do not complete all steps within two weeks. No exceptions. 

​Q: WHAT ARE THE HOURS AVAILABLE WHEN APPLYING TO PRESENT AN EVENT AT THE POPUP?​
​A: Regardless of the day, all events must conclude by 10pm at the latest. Early weekday morning event hours are available on a case-by-case basis. 

​Q: WILL THE SPACE BE PREPARED AHEAD OF TIME FOR OUR EVENT?
A: The space will be clean when you arrive.  You and your team are responsible for your specific setup, and for restoring the space at the conclusion of your event. ​

​Q: CAN I RENT THE SPACE FOR A PRIVATE EVENT?
A: Occasionally, we offer the space for private event rental at our discretion. If you're interested, please contact us directly. The private rental fee is $175/hour of the event.

​Q: WHAT PERCENT COMMISSION DO YOU TAKE FROM ART, FOOD, AND TICKET SALES HAPPENING DURING YOUR EVENTS?
​A: If the event has an entry fee or is selling artwork, the event organizer will pay 25% of all proceeds to our parent organization, the Worcester Cultural Coalition. If non-concessions food or small arts/crafts items are being sold, the event organizer will pay 15% of all proceeds to the Worcester Cultural Coalition. Payments can be made by cash, card, or checks/money-order.

​Q: WILL YOU HELP PROMOTE MY EVENT ON THE POPUP'S SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS?
A: You are responsible for taking the lead on promoting your event.  We will help by sharing your event on our social media channels, in our newsletter, and, of course, on our home page.  If your event is booked in time, it may also be included in a printed quarterly mailer. ​

Q: WHEN SHOULD I APPLY TO PRESENT MY EVENT?
A: Applications must be received at least 1 month prior to your proposed event date. Preferred application time is 2-3 months in advance. We reserve the right to adjust this policy at any time. ​

​Q: IS THERE A CANCELLATION POLICY?
A. We reserve the right to reschedule or cancel pre-approved events as needed. Failure to comply with stated policies will result in the cancelation of your event. If you need to cancel your event, you must inform us in writing at least one week prior. ​

Q: DOES THE POP UP PROVIDE ANY CATERING SUPPLIES? 
​A: No. you are responsible for any cutlery, plates, paper products, etc you think you may need for your event. We are more than happy to recommend a full service caterer upon request but we do not actively manage your catering needs.

prESENTER iNFO

PRESENTER GUIDE PACKAGE

APPLY TO PRESENT

Please note -- the PopUp is not accepting new bookings for 2022. We are booking events throughout the 2023 calendar year!

POPUP APPLICATION

CONTACT US

If there's something on your mind that we haven't addressed on this page, please feel free to send us an email.

EMAIL US

Hi, I'm Hank.

I'm the Managing Director of the PopUp and look forward to having you here!  Feel free to reach me by EMAIL/.  

FULL BIO

Hank is an artist and cultural organizer with a background in street art and photography.  He sits or has sat on a number of nonprofit boards, including those of the Worcester Arts Council, Main IDEA, The Public Artist Working Group, and Square Squared, the facilitators behind Pow!Wow! Worcester!  Hank frequently serves as a creative workshop leader and consultant to both public and private organizations. His workshops with young adults focus on creative sociopolitical empowerment.  His consulting work typically focuses on creative solutions to environmental design and crime prevention.  His motivations in helming the PopUp are to advocate for the accessibility of artistic space for all, and to empower the local creative culture to assume ownership of a community changing and growing around them. 

VARIOUS POPUP EVENTS AND EXHIBITS

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Prioritizing arts and culture is a key strategy for bringing economic and cultural revitalization to our nation’s downtowns.  The PopUp is a model for how to do it right.
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JIM McGOVERN
United States Congressman (D-MA, 2nd District)