THE BERWICK RESEARCH INSTITUTE

AN INTERVIEW WITH KIRSTEN FORKERT by RACHEL GEPNER

THE ARTIST IN RESEARCH RESIDENCY by MATTHEW NASH

THE BERWICK IN BOSTON by CHRISTIAN HOLLAND

THE REVOLVING DINNER by MICAH MALONE

For an Institute dedicated to supporting “concept-driven work that eludes conventional modes of market distribution” the Berwick has certainly pushed the limits for inventive circulation of product. From its day as a makeshift rock n’ roll venue to exhibition space to residency program, the trajectory of this space has often been decided by powers above them. Shut down for code violations, the now defunct Dudly Square exhibition space is now home to a set of studios used for the Artist in Research residency. A blessing in disguise, this move has shifted the Berwick’s emphasis to projects like “The Buscyle” and Kirsten Forkert’s research on the experience and understanding of what it means to be “public.” (see interview in this issue)

A big weekend was just had for this unique space, which included their infamous “Revolving Dinner” fundraiser where performances, film screenings, and installations were exhibited in various Jamaica Plain apartments. Three separate tour groups were assembled and subsequently escorted by charming Berwick hosts to look at work and eat a three-course meal. In honor of their yearly dinner/art fundraiser Big Red decided to do an analysis of what the Berwick was, is and will be.

Links:
Berwick Research Institute

All images are courtesy of the repsective artist and The Berwick Research Institute.