Drawing together artist and restaurants, a la cARTe explores the intersection of economic and aesthetic practices and discourse. This artist driven cross-disciplinary conversation subverts notions of value and everyday objects in relationship with mass consumption.

Selected artists will design and produce 10 pieces of tableware to be placed at one of the participating restaurants. Specialty dishes created by each restaurant’s chef will be served on this tableware or the pieces will be integrated into the general service. The a la cARTe menu will only be available during the 2010 NCECA conference in Philadelphia from March 31- April 3 2010. Diners can order the dishes during this limited time with the option of purchasing the tableware.

Each artist will be paired with a local restaurant in Philadelphia and will make 10 pieces based on the needs of their assigned restaurant, ranging from plates to bowls to cups.