Downtown Bangor Partnership and Local Artists Launch Free Art Exchange Box
Bangor, Maine- Bangor artist Brian Cattelle and Downtown Bangor Partnership are launching a Free Art Exchange program in Bangor, Maine with the support of a grant from City of Bangor Commission on Cultural Development. Project launch will be in West Market Square on August 1st from 5-7 as part of the community wide First Friday celebrations.
Art Exchange Boxes will remain in use for one year.
The Downtown Bangor Partnership applied for the grant during the May 2025 Commission on Cultural Development grant cycle.
The boxes function similar to Little Free Libraries, but for the visual arts, inspiring community engagement with the visual arts.
Thirty-four artists submitted applications to be awarded a stipend for creating the boxes and populating the boxes with material throughout the year and two were selected in addition to project organizer Brian Cattelle. Artists Lahana Palencia and Naomi Moynihan were the other artists selected to participate.
Artist Brian Cattell says, "Street art has always thrived on breaking the rules just enough to be heard. It makes space where there was none, it disrupts the expected, and in doing so, it invites participation. That’s what this project is about. The artists have taken old newspaper boxes, once meant to distribute information, and turned them into spaces for creative exchange. Anyone can leave a piece of art, and anyone can take one.”
Visitors to the box are invited to take a piece of original art from the box and leave one behind for the next visitor. There are three box locations planned at Bangor Public Library and Hollywood Casino.
Visitors can find out more about the project, artists, and locations by visiting https://downtownbangor.com/
The Downtown Bangor Partnership promotes and markets activities that enhance the distinctive identity of Downtown Bangor, encouraging retention and growth of commercial, residential, and cultural life within the downtown district. For more information on the Downtown Bangor Partnership visit www.downtownbangor.com.
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