Address: 111 West Parish Street Durham, NC 27701 Hours: 12-6 pm Tuesday through Friday 2-5 pm Saturday, and

by appointment Contact: Laura Ritchie: laura@thecarrack.org/ 704_213_6666 John Wendelbo: john@durhamsculpture.org Mission: To empower artists to forge productive cultural and socio-economic ties with the community through professional exhibition opportunities in a zero commission art space. History: Drawing inspiration from the Durham Sculpture Project, which served as a reference for a similar community and artist driven business model. Between community donations ranging between $5 and $20, and a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $12,000 in December 2011, allowing the space to be open through 2013. The Carrack operates on a new type of business model. It is our hope that we will all consider supporting this proposition: an artist-centered, fluid, dynamic, fast-paced exhibit space that serves as much as a gallery space as it does an incubator, a platform and a catalyst for creative endeavors. Both the Durham Sculpture Project and the Carrack Modern Art began their affairs with absolutely no seed money, not one dime, and yet through stubbornness and perseverance, through good will and gusto and community support, we really have already achieved quite a lot together! (http://thecarrack.org/about-the-carrack). Carrack Modern Art opened its doors in June 2011, spearheaded by founders Laura Ritchie and John Wendelbo. Since opening the Carrack has hosted a new exhibit every two weeks. Applications to exhibit are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed by rotating panels of past Carrack artists and the founders Laura and John. The Carrack requires that all artists commit to giving an artist talk during their exhibit, commit to at least on artist reception prior to their exhibit, design a poster or invitation to send out 4 weeks prior to the exhibit date, install their own work, and accept to be interviewed on camera by the Carrack. This may seem like a tall order, but it gives the artists the freedom to curate their own show in a well-respected space.

Cultural Connections: Carrack Modern Art is the epitome of a cultural center for fine arts in Durham and the surrounding cities of Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Exhibiting work from artists who work locally and beyond; the art space not only offers fine arts in every medium imaginable, but performances, film screenings, and classes or workshops that are usually free to the community. The mission of this center is meant to serve artists as well as the community; and highlights all of the artistic diversity the triangle-area of North Carolina has to offer. Notable Moments: The Carracks very existence is a notable moment, it proves that Durham believes in its mission. The art space can only exist if there is interest, support and funds from the community. A donation-based business is always a risk, and the Carracks success is a significant sign of arts appreciation. Current Offerings: March 26-April 6 Distances + Relatives: The work of Joel Wanek and Peter Lisignoli Duke MFA students Peter Lisignoli and Joel Wanek have their first showing of their thesis films as members of the inaugural graduating class of the MFA in Experimental and Documentary Arts program, the Carrack will be transformed into a microcinema showing screenings, performances, still images, and the expressive possibilities of moving image archives. April 8-13 Open Call Community Show April 16-27 New Work by Laura Ginn Native of Saxapahaw, NC, Ginn explores self-empowerment, connections to the physical world, and contemporary American identity. The show will consist of a combination of photographs, workshops, performance, and handcrafted objects.

Challenges: One of the biggest challenges just concerning the business plan is money, and the amount of trust the Carrack puts in the Durham Community. The Carrack is sustained only on their own merits and donations from the community; their philosophy being If you believe this endeavor is worthwhile for Durham, then support it. (http://thecarrack.org/about-the-carrack)

The Future: The Future for the Carrack is bright and promising. As a revolutionary nonprofit business model, the gallery provides an art space that claims no commission from sales, and

sustains itself solely on donations from the community. Truly a community center that illustrates how important the arts are to the people in the area.