The Bushwick Open Studios and Arts Festival (B.O.S.) is an annual self-organized art festival to be held in Bushwick, Brooklyn. This year’s festival will be happening on the weekend of June 6-8, 2008. Anyone in the community is welcome to participate by presenting art work, organizing activities and events, or by helping to produce the Festival. The purpose of the Festival is to create an open and inclusive event that benefits the entire community by sharing artistic projects and encouraging community interaction and dialogue. BOS does not operate within set neighborhood boundaries, but in the past the Festival has generally included spaces near the L train between the Montrose and Myrtle-Wyckoff stops, and on the J/M/Z train between the Flushing and Myrtle-Wyckoff stops.

Walking or driving through the industrial area of Bushwick, you might miss the hundreds of artists working in the area’s lofts. The Bushwick Open Studio & Arts Festival brings these artists and performers out into the streets and into view of each other, other community residents, and the general public. The community organizers hope to inspire a diverse group of participants to share their work in an open, welcoming and inclusive forum. Organizers are working with local businesses, nonprofits, and arts organizations, which may provide venues, create events, or offer funding. Some volunteers are planning interactive activities where artists and attendees can create art together!

Last year, more than 100 artists participated and hundreds more community residents and others attended the event. This year the ranks have already swelled to over 200!  Check out  some of the exciting festival events and artists here.

"As important as the outcome is the process itself. The June 08 event will be amazing, but equally important is what’s happening right now. By coming together to plan a creative event, people are connecting and collaborating, thereby strengthening our community.”