Background

In the first phase, BPV Lowell offered over thirty artist studios for rent at very affordable rates to help local artists stay in Lowell. The fifth floor of the C/D Mill at Western Avenue Studios opened its 31 studio doors to working artists on September 1, 2005. The opening of the building’s fourth and third floor in 2006, the opening of the A Mill's second floor in August 2007, and the opening of the mill’s third floor in November of last year brought the total of working studios to 121 and the number of artists at Western Avenue to more than 150.  The final phase of working studios – adding 22 on the 2nd floor of the C/D Mill is under construction and will be delivered on or before February 1st.  These are 100% preleased.  In fact, Western Avenue Studios has always operated full with a waiting list.  As of February 1st 2009, we will have 143 working studios, fully leased with a waiting list.  We have not advertised in over two years.  The artist community is incredibly strong and Western Avenue Studios stays full be word of mouth.

Since opening day, Western Avenue Studios has become an integral part of the cultural life of the City of Lowell. In addition to participating in the annual citywide Lowell Open Studios event and holding monthly First Saturday Open Studios, WAS has provided venues for the seventh Annual International Edible Book Festival, the Lowell Quilt Festival, and the Lowell Photography Weekend. The summer of 2008 marked the third year of the Summer Art Program for Children.