Today we’d like to introduce you to Artica
Hi ARTICA, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
For over 20 years, ARTICA has been a beacon of artistic expression, community engagement, and creative experimentation in St. Louis. What started as a group of artists coming together to celebrate the St. Louis waterfront through art has evolved into a beloved annual festival that celebrates art in all its forms while fostering a sense of connection and freedom among artists and attendees alike.
ARTICA was founded with a vision: to create an open and welcoming space where artists of all disciplines could showcase their work in an environment unbound by commercial pressures. Unlike traditional art fairs, ARTICA has remained commerce-free, embracing a spirit of generosity and communal participation. The festival’s foundation is built on the principle that everyone is a creative being, and its guiding ethos encourages radical self-expression, participation, and cooperation.
ARTICA takes shape along the Mississippi Riverfront, where artists, performers, and community members unite to revitalize an area that tends to be overlooked. The festival embraces the fluidity of the river it celebrates, evolving year by year based on the contributions and energy of the community. It was never intended to be static—each ARTICA is shaped by the people who participate.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For many years, the festival found a home on the grounds of the historic Cotton Belt Freight Depot building, a unique location that served as a backdrop for countless performances, installations, and interactive experiences. When the property was sold, ARTICA was forced to relocate. After a period of uncertainty, the festival found a new home at Gateway South, just south of the Gateway Arch. This new location, with its mix of industrial charm and open urban spaces, provided a fitting canvas for ARTICA’s continued evolution. The move reinforced ARTICA’s resilience and adaptability, proving that its spirit was never tied to a single space but rather to the people and creativity it inspires.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
ARTICA is commerce-free and all about our creative community. If you have suggestions or ideas or just want to socialize with fellow creatives, check out our Community Nights, hosted monthly. Keep an eye out for our Call for Artists, which will open at the end of March.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://articastl.com/
