DOT organization signs a 5-year lease for gallery, performance, classroom and workshop space

Founded in 2002 by Rosanne Foley and Joyce Linehan as a membership organization, the Dorchester Arts Collaborative has been a catalyst for the social, cultural, and economic enrichment of Dorchester. Now in its tenth year, DAC has organized the Dorchester Open Studios, Third Friday Breakfast-an arts discourse forum and has connected the Dorchester arts community with resources throughout the city. It has also held several art classes and workshops taught by local artists.

The neighborhood is home to galleries Stone YoYo, The G Studios, HallSpace and Lufthansa Studios. In May 2012, UMass Boston’s Trotter Institute, Upham’s Corner Main Street and UMass Boston’s Art Department co-hosted a one-night pop-up exhibition in a vacant storefront in Upham's Corner to celebrate 13 UMass Boston Art Department Capstone students. The new DAC location is just a short bus ride away from the hustle and bustle of Upham’s Corner, which has been generating enthusiasm among the businesses and residents surrounding Upham's Corner.

"We believe strongly in doing whatever it takes to nurture young and emerging artists and to make sure that they have the consistent supports that they need, from good teachers to adequate space to work, and in bringing exciting, innovative, thoughtful, and inspirational artwork to the community," posted DAC on their website. We hope this is just the beginning of great things to come for the city of Boston and the neighborhood of Dorchester.

The new home of DAC will be named the Erick Jean Center for the Arts, a late resident of Four Corners, community activist and supporter of the arts. A grand opening ceremony is scheduled for January 20, 2013 and proposals for classes, workshops, gallery exhibitions for the winter season are currently being accepted. Check DAC's website for more information.