application due date EXTENDED-now through end of January

Applications available on line at www.HyArtsDistrict.com

HYANNIS, MA, December 6, 2012The Town of Barnstable is accepting applications for artists and artisans interested in participating in the 2013 Harbor Your Arts shanty program. The shanties are located in the Hyannis HyArts Cultural District, at Bismore Park, Hyannis. Applications may be submitted through the end of January. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed and considered based on availability. Applications can be downloaded at www.HyArtsDistrict.com. All artwork will be juried. For more information, contact Melissa Hersh, Arts and Culture Coordinator at Melissa.hersh@town.barnstable.ma.us or call 508-862-4767.

The shanty program began in 2005, as the first in a series of arts related strategies designed to provide opportunities and exposure for local artists; enliven the economic climate in downtown Hyannis; and to establish an important vibrant backdrop for year round residents and visitors.

The response to the Harbor your Arts (HyA) Shanty Program has been overwhelmingly positive. A half million visitors have visited the shanties since the programs inception. The collective earnings of 300 artists to date during the eight years of the program is over $800,000.

The shanties are open weekends mid-May to mid-June and then on a daily basis through the end of September. Artists have the opportunity to rent a shanty for a week, a month or for the entire season and new in 2013, for two consecutive weeks. Visitors to the shanties discover a variety of art including handmade jewelry, paintings, photography, visual art, wood carving, fine Cape Cod inspired crafts, tapestry, ceramics, rope work, glass work and much more.

During the season visitors can participate in weekly nature craft programs at no charge and in addition a variety of entertainment is offered that includes musicians, magicians, jugglers and other performers. If interested in performing next season, contact Melissa Hersh at melissa.hersh@town.barnstable.ma.us

The shanty program is made available through the generous support of the Massachusetts Cultural Council Adams Grant and in cooperation with the Main Street Business Improvement District (BID), Arts Foundation of Cape Cod (AFCC), Cape Cod Art Association (CCAA) and the Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce.