Amherst Arts Group Folds

Source: Amherst Arts Night Plus

Amherst Arts Night Plus (AANP) announced on October 7 that after nearly 20 years of promoting art and community in Amherst, it will discontinue its operations.

Prior to the shuttering of galleries and museums in March 2020 due to COVID, AANP provided a monthly Thursday evening art walk through more than 15 art and culture venues in downtown Amherst. For some months following the COVID shutdown, AANP operated virtually by offering online art presentations and discussions for several months. That ultimately became unsustainable, the group said.

Since its inception in early 2002, AANP estimates that it promoted more than 2,000 exhibitions, art forums and events, seven seasons of performances by area musicians, curated broadcasts on Amherst Media during the COVID 2020 spring, and produced a walkable “Windows Into Art” exhibit last fall featuring more than 90 artists in Amherst storefronts.

“The decision to dissolve the current operation was not easy,” said AANP co-chair Elizabeth Bradley. “Changes to the downtown landscape following COVID-19 as well as a lack of volunteer support meant continuing was not sustainable for the present team. However, change brings opportunity, and we look forward to seeing the next iteration of community arts events in downtown Amherst. We hope this creates space for a new vision to emerge, and encourage those with serious proposals to be in touch.” 

Interested parties, Bradley said, should email the AANP at info@amherstartwalk.com by the end of October. Bradley extended heartfelt appreciation to the Amherst community for years of support.