OPENshop is an expansion of the project SHOP by the artist group N55. As described in their manual for SHOP:
Any person can start a new SHOP. SHOP requires a place, room, or some kind of mobile construction.
OPENSOURCE Art is a space that locates itself in a place, specifically Champaign, Illinois.
SHOP enables persons to exchange things without the use of money.
The entryway to OPENSOURCE has a small architectural cover. To the left of the main doorway a window was recently broken and OPENSOURCE was subsequently robbed of some electronic equipment. It was determined that the
OPENSOURCE donation box (an old vitrine) had a few dollars at its base and was visible from the window. According to the police who investigated the incident, this was an “invitation” to rob the space. Without money to replace the expensive window, and a landlord unwilling to claim responsibility, OPENSOURCE has installed a piece of painted wood in its absence. This wood is now the backboard for OPENshop, an expansion of the project SHOP.
The things present at SHOP are labeled in different categories in order to show: that they can be used at SHOP (yellow tag), borrowed (magenta tag), or they can be used, borrowed, swapped or if necessary, taken (cyan tag).
While looking at OPENshop, a shelf is to your right. Use this shelf for things that can be used at OPENSOURCE. During OPENhours feel free to use the OPENshop things inside or outside OPENSOURCE. OPENSOURCE is a resource for investigation, activity, and experimentation. Much like N55, OPENSOURCE and its volunteer members work with art as a part of everyday life. As a non-affiliated space, many activities under the heading of OPENSOURCE have been facilitated by a group of “active members” seeking to produce events, presentations, exhibitions, gatherings and exchanges. We have yet to define an “active member,” but agree in general that the work done for
OPENSOURCE is for OPENSOURCE the space. In other words, OPENSOURCE is not a paying job, but is an opportunity to define the meaning of art as it pertains to our lives.
OPENshop works with art as a part of everyday life.
For more information on N55 and their project SHOP visit: http://www.n55.dk/MANUALS/SHOP/SHOP.htmlhttp://www.n55.dk/MANUALS/SHOP/SHOP.html
