Our Programs

Art Conspiracy began as a catalyst for community action toward a cause. We have loved all the work that has been done and has been made possible thanks to the efforts of Dallas’ creative community and those who love and support it.

As Art Conspiracy has grown, so has the outreach. The organization is still focused on its signature events and feeding funding back to other nonprofits in our community. We have also been looking to the future and creating a year-round model that extends Art Con’s reach to a wider audience. We cracked the door on this in 2014 by rolling out our Art Con(cert)s and began building the framework for new ideas. It is with great pleasure that we announce these ideas and our intentions for the vision moving forward.

Over the next several years, Art Con will be rolling out new programming, creating new collaborations and relationships, and better serving our community that does so much. Since the beginning of 2015, we have had the pleasure to continue our work with Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico (ANMBF), launching Art Con Select with the Kettle Art Gallery in Deep Ellum, putting Dallas’ artists in the arts district with the Dallas Opera, and creating experiences for local artists with the Nasher Scultpure Museum in the downtown Dallas Arts District.

Says Erica Felicella, Executive Director of Art Conspiracy, “We are not building a better Art Con but, rather, enhancing the experience that has been built over that last decade.” We’re excited to announce our expanded list of programming below.

Art Con Signature Event & SEED Event

Our vision is to be an altruistic friend, resource, and platform for the regional creative community.
Each year, the creative community in North Texas pools its talents to hold two fundraising events in support of nonprofit art programs: SEED and Art Con. These are equal parts community art event, which allows participants to purchase original artwork at a reasonable price, and fundraiser that seeks to support a selected local, arts nonprofit.

SEED, our smaller summer event, is organized around a given theme and helps us raise some of the “seed money” for the operation costs of the larger fall event; the year’s beneficiary is also named. Later in the fall, Art Con draws more than 150 artists to a warehouse-turned-art-studio where they create unique works of art on Art Con’s signature 18 x 18-inch plywood boards. These pieces are then auctioned off live, one at a time, with a starting bid at twenty dollars, to the attending public. Nationally recognized local music acts lay down a sonic backdrop for a night of food, drink, and fun.

Art Conspiracy’s signature event that began in 2005 is named Art Con. Combining the forces of creativity and philanthropy, this unique event is held every November. Since Art Conspiracy began operation, it has raised close to $300,000 for small programs that provide arts and music programming in North Texas, including Musical Angels, La Reunion, W.T. White Ceramics Program, Girls Rock Dallas, My Possibilities, and Preservation Link. We set out to create public awareness for the arts and to bring artists and musicians together — to “conspire” for the benefit of the local arts scene.

Expanded Programming

Art Con Select
In November 2014, Kettle Art was invited to a sneak preview of the artwork created by Art Con 10 artists and offered the opportunity to curate a spotlight of artists who have never shown at their gallery before. From January 22 to January 31, 2015, Kettle Art and Art Conspiracy were excited to show off an exhibit featuring a select group of artists curated from their sneak peek of talent. Art Conspiracy hopes to expand the number and breadth of galleries in 2016.
Art Con(verge)
Once a year, Art Con speaks directly to our audience and beyond about how to become an art collector. Art Conspiracy will take over a gallery for one night (or longer depending on location). Collectors chosen by Art Con become the storytellers/docents for their collections, and our patrons learn the approach of each collector and about some of our local artists. We hope to give our patrons the chance to learn how to become collectors themselves.
Art Con(tour)
Art Con(tour) is an annual traditional artist space and studio tour open to any artist who has ever been a part of Art Con. Art Conspiracy is intending to launch in 2016. Creating the opportunity to bring the art community and its supporters together.
Art Con(verse)
Art Con(verse) is a creative writing/performance series to be held in a new space each time. In the crowd are people who can offer opportunities to one or more of the writers for a bigger stage. Art Con(verse) is intended to move into a quarterly model in 2016.
Art Con(duit)
Art Con(duit) is a short documentary series of Art Con artists throughout the metroplex. Part celebration of art and community and part educational, Art Con will share our documentaries with institutions to further the education of aspiring artists.
Art Con(cert)
Once a quarter, Art Conspiracy curates a traditional living-room show in an intimate local space. The band or musician chosen is from our historical roster of alumni, and they get to choose their own opener. Set in an intimate and open setting, Art Con(cert) furthers our commitment to providing our audience unique experiences that bring the community together.