[discontinued] In Fall 2004, AAI launched the project located in the Streit’s Matzo Factory, at the corner of Rivington & Suffolk. The Matzo Files were designed to expand opportunities for visual artists and create dialogue between professional artists, visitors to the neighborhood, and the immediate community of the Lower East Side.

Click here to go directly to the Matzo Files web site!

Housed in space generously donated by Streit’s Matzos, the oldest family owned matzo bakery in New York, the Matzo Files present original works by 250 artists in flat files. The flat file drawers contain the works of up to 180 artists - each having a folder devoted exclusively to his or her work. On the adjacent shelving, boxes accommodate the three-dimensional work of up to 70 artists.

The Matzo Files will provide 250 artists with a forum for the presentation of original artwork.

180 artists will each have a folder 20" x 16" devoted exclusively to his or her work and held in a flat file drawer. On the adjacent shelving are boxes able to accomodate three-dimensional work (such as sculpture, mounted, thick or matted work, or book arts)
60 artists will each have a box 9 1/2" x 12 1/2" x height 3"
10 artists will each have a box 7 1/2" x 12" x height 5 5/8".

One drawer will be reserved for a consistently rotating exhibition of artists. This group of work will be curated periodically on a six-week schedule by different artists or arts professionals. The works included in this drawer may be of artists from inside or outside the Matzo Files.

Information on each participating artist will be available in ring binders. Each artist will have two clear plastic sleeves in the binder, which can hold up to four page-sides of information. Suggested information includes: a resume with contact information, statement, price list, and visuals of the artists work (particularly suggested if the work presented in the files is only a small part of the overall projects of the artist). We will not take any slide sheets. Any images of work you wish to include must be printed out on a pageInformation on each participating artist will be available in ring binders. Each artist will have two clear plastic sleeves in the binder, which can hold up to four page-sides of information. Suggested information includes: a resume with contact information, statement, price list, and visuals of the artists work (particularly suggested if the work presented in the files is only a small part of the overall projects of the artist). We will not take any slide sheets. Any images of work you wish to include must be printed out on a page.

OPERATION:
Streit's Matzos is a kosher bakery and therefore the Matzo Files will be closed on Fridays, Saturdays and all Jewish Holidays. Projected hours of operation will be on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. During gallery hours the artwork will be attended by someone who will assist viewers in handling and viewing the work, answer questions and transact all sales. When the Matzo Files are closed, the file drawers and shelves will be locked and unavailable to viewers. While we cannot carry insurance on the artworks, we will take every possible precaution that the work is monitored and protected from theft or damage. In the case of sales, the artist will be paid immediately following check clearance.

PARTICIPATION:
Each artist will pay a $40 materials fee to help cover the start up costs of this venture. These costs include materials for the fabrication of folders and shelves, purchase of flat files, boxes, locks, and other supplies, insurance, publicity and accounting costs.

Artists will join the Matzo Files for a participation term of one year. The artist is welcome to change the artworks in his or her folder/ box at any time during his or her year of participation.

The terms of sale will be 80% to the artist and 20% to the Matzo Files to aid in continued operation. As the project gets underway, we will evaluate the terms of an individual's participation after the first year on the basis of numbers of artists wishing to join and spaces available.

The Matzo Files are intended to be diverse and inclusive in scope. Artists will be included on a first-come-first-served basis and evaluated along broad criteria by a diverse committee of artists.

- All Artwork must be original and meet the size limitations of the folders or boxes.

- Participants must be willing to sign a release form relieving Streit's and the Artists Alliance, Inc. from responsibility for any loss or damage to the art. Artists will be assured, however, that the files will be monitored when open and locked whenever un-staffed.

- Detailed records will be kept of all sales, loans, and other transactions. Only the artist can authorize the release or exchange of works in his or her folder/box in situations other than sales such as exhibition loans.

- Payment to the artist for any sales will occur in a timely fashion after check clearance.

- The Matzo Files are not responsible for any shipping costs associated with the artist's work. These costs, if applicable, must be borne by the artist or purchaser of the work.

- The Matzo Files encourage participation and input from artists in the program. We welcome your ideas and suggestions for improved operation and special projects.