As it heads into its third season, Worcester PopUp is focused on one thing – growing. PopUp’s manager, Erick Bilides, said the gallery’s 2015 season has surpassed expectations. “PopUp was able to successfully meet each goal that [it] had originally planned to fulfill.”

In 2015, PopUp made attempts to be consistent and increase its audience. Bilides said, “With each season that passed, I was able to learn from prior mistakes and structurally adjust our outreach strategy to meet newly exposed systemic gaps.”

Worcester PopUp, 20 Franklin St., is a space for creative artists and entrepreneurs. PopUp is brought to Worcester by by the Worcester Cultural Coalition in partnership with the Worcester Business Development Corporation. The PopUp does not require payment from either participants or artists to use or view the space. Bilides said having the space be free is important because “the city of Worcester is filled with an outpouring of talented artists. Of these artists, I have met numerous people that cannot afford to rent ‘traditional art galleries’ to showcase their art and talents. The PopUp has allowed these artists to finally be given the chance to show the world their gifts. For me, this aspect of the PopUp means everything to the residents of Worcester.”

In 2016, Bilides said he hopes to increase marketing, have diverse events and art, help young artists showcase their talents, grant artists the audience they deserve, become a networking catalyst for the city’s artists and create a stress-free environment that allows the citizens of Worcester to be themselves.
Most importantly, Bilides said, he “finds it crucial for the Worcester PopUp to be open throughout the year.” He said that each time that PopUp closes, “people never know if it will return, cannot rely on it as source for artistic output and awareness and come to the conclusion that the city of Worcester does not hold Worcester’s art culture in a high enough regard.”

He also believes that, “The Worcester PopUp needs to continue being a free space.”

In 2015, the PopUp offered African Community Education Paint Night, a costume show by the Hanover Theatre, holiday arts and crafts for kids and big art gallery openings.

“The events that transpired were also enjoyed greatly. After each event, participants openly expressed excitement and joy for the fact that the City of Worcester was investing in Worcester’s talented art community,” Bilides said, adding that he’d like to see “Worcester PopUp carry on the tradition of being an open art space for all ages and all skill levels.”

Of future art, Bilides said, “Nothing should be omitted. … The interests and desires of the Worcester Community should control the PopUp.” Bilides also expressed hope for events aimed towards helping the youth of the city, adding, “Youth of this city need all the support they can get.”

Bilides is hoping 2016 will be a big year for Worcester PopUp.

“The PopUp encourages those within the city to openly express themselves. The citizens of Worcester have a lot to say, and the PopUp should be used as a tool to release those feelings, hopes and desires.”

For more information, visit worcesterpopup.com and check out Worcester PopUp on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

By Diana Holiner