News & Updates

Dr. Annis Sengupta Sworn in to the Massachusetts Cultural

Policy Development Advisory Council

Dr. Annis Sengupta joins fellow members of the Governor’s Cultural Policy Development Advisory Council to shape arts policy and promote cultural equity in Massachusetts.

We are excited to share that Dr. Annis Sengupta, Director of the Arts + Culture Department, was officially sworn in as a member of the Governor’s Cultural Policy Development Advisory Council on September 20, 2024. This Council, first announced on March 1, 2024, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the arts in our state. 

The Council’s mission is to explore policies that support artists, cultural workers, and arts organizations while promoting cultural equity in the arts. It will also focus on creating economic opportunities in the arts and culture sector and developing a comprehensive cultural development and jobs plan, which will be presented to the Governor. 

Stay tuned for updates on this important work and how it will help shape the future of arts and culture in Massachusetts! 

Celebration of Mural Art in Holliston 

Ribbon-cutting ceremony at Blair Square on the Upper Charles River Rail Trail in Holliston, unveiling a new temporary art installation by artist Caoin O'Durgy.

Holliston recently unveiled a new mural by artist Caoin O’Durgy of the Good Boy Collective, celebrating the town’s history and future. The mural connects downtown with the Rail Trail and includes elements like a historical pavilion, an integrated trail, and 3D features.

This unveiling is part of the Regional Trails Creative Placemaking Strategy, a collaboration between the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) and Holliston that highlights the town’s dedication to community and art.

Innovative Student Mural Tackles Urban Heat Through Art 

Sirena Pearl's vibrant mural in Richmond, VA uses thermal paint technology and infrared photography to showcase creative solutions to urban heat islands.

We're excited to spotlight an inspiring project that puts our "Cool it with Art" guide into action! Virginia Commonwealth University student Sirena Pearl recently completed a remarkable public art installation exploring creative solutions to urban heat islands. 

Pearl's large-scale mural in Richmond, VA combines vibrant imagery with cutting-edge thermal paint technology. Using infrared photography, she measured how different paint materials and techniques impact surface temperatures. The result is a visually striking piece that also demonstrates real cooling effects. 

Key features of the project include: 

• Contrasting figures representing sustainable vs. heat island-affected cities 
• Strategic use of solar reflective paints and cool-coat sealants 
• Thermal imaging to quantify temperature differences 
• Educational elements to raise awareness about urban heat challenges 

This innovative approach perfectly exemplifies the intersection of art, science, and community engagement that "Cool it with Art" aims to foster. We're thrilled to see students like Pearl applying these concepts in impactful ways. 

To learn more about this fascinating project, visit HERE.

We look forward to featuring more creative heat resilience initiatives inspired by "Cool it with Art." If you have a project to share, please contact us! 

Resources and Opportunities

Applications Closing Soon for Making it Public for

Municipalities 2025!

The New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) and MAPC held an Information Session on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. See the FAQ and apply at Making it Public for Municipalities.

The goal of this workshop series is to train municipalities in the process of running a public art commission and to prepare local artists to successfully apply to calls for public art.

The 11-week program will begin in January 2025. The trainings will take place virtually on Tuesdays from 10:00 AM - 12:00 noon ET, January 28 - April 8, 2025. Participating municipalities will receive $15,000 in funds from NEFA to support the commissioning of temporary public art projects.

Applications will be accepted through September 30, 2024. 

Funding History & Heritage Projects – EMHCC Webinar

Join the Eastern Massachusetts Historical Commission Coalition (EMHCC) for the "Funding History & Heritage Projects " webinar on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 10 AM. This session will cover local funding opportunities for heritage preservation projects.

Speakers will be:

• Jennifer Doherty (Massachusetts Historical Commission) covering Survey and Planning (S&P) and Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF) grants.
• Elizabeth O’Connell (State Archives) discussing State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) programs, including the veteran’s heritage grant.
• Dottie Fulginiti and Geetha Rao Ramani (MassDevelopment) presenting on the Underutilized Properties program and examples of projects it can fund.
• Norman Abbott (MAPC) covering District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) and Grant Assistance Program (GAP) funding, which support local projects and enhance competitive grant applications.

Discover valuable resources to support your heritage preservation efforts.

External Opportunities

Not If, But When: Navigating Climate Change and Protecting Cultural Assets in MA

Free Webinar, Thursday, October 3, 2024 12 PM

Register Here

Historic collections and buildings are not immune to the impacts of climate change. Flooding, driving rain, high winds, and extreme temperatures are all increasingly threatening the Commonwealth’s fragile cultural and historic resources.

Join COSTEP MA (Coordinated Statewide Emergency Preparedness Massachusetts) on Thursday, October 3, at 12 PM for a free webinar to learn more about how cultural institutions in Massachusetts can begin developing a climate action plan to protect their collections and the often historic buildings they are stored in. Presenters will highlight available resources, planning opportunities, and case studies. There will be time for questions at the end of the hour.

Featured presenters will be:

• Dee Boyle-Clapp, Director of the Arts Extension Service at UMass Amherst, will highlight some of the work being done through her pilot project, Culture for Climate Action, which includes trainings for arts and culture organizations in partnership with State Arts Agencies, and direct work with three Massachusetts-based arts organizations and UMass Clean Energy Extension, to transform energy use and serve as a climate leader in their communities.
• Ben Lewis, Geospatial Technology Manager at Harvard University’s Center for Geographic Analysis
• Ben Haavik, Team Leader of Property Care for Historic New England, will showcase their Climate Action Plan highlighting aspects of the process that were based on existing or free resources.

Call to Artists: Lexington Mural Project – Submit by October 4

Submit by October 4, 2024: The Town of Lexington’s Economic Development Department is inviting artists interested in mural design, fabrication, installation and area activation to submit their qualifications as part of our Call to Artists. Please see the submission form, Call For Artists and other supporting documents at https://www.lexingtonma.gov/2202/Murals-Activation.

This is a two phase process where, artists/artists teams will first submit their qualifications for phase one. After qualifications are submitted, a selection committee will select 3 finalists to submit concept plans for murals and space usage. The three artists/teams selected as finalists will each receive a $1,000 stipend for this phase. The selection committee will then select one finalist to be awarded the project.

The submission portal for qualifications will close on October 4th 2024 at 12:00 PM ET. This project is part of our East Lexington Rapid Recovery and is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. For any questions, please email economicdevelopment@lexingtonma.gov. 

Mystic River Artist Residency – RFQ Deadline October 9

The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) is extending a call for artists for our pilot 2025-2026 Mystic River Artist in Residence Program. This is a PAID 14 month opportunity--open to all artists. The program will take place between January 2025 and spring 2026, beginning with an exploratory phase during which the artist will be embedded in MyRWA’s organization to get to know our work, our watershed, and our communities. During the exploratory phase, artists will be paid up to $25,000. An additional $115,000 will be available for the implementation phase, which includes artist fees and supply costs. The artist will then work to implement the creative project within the watershed. Throughout the residency, MyRWA and the artist will work to involve the community in the creative process. 

The RFQ Deadline is October 9, 2024, 11:59 PM. Please see the RFQ here for the details about the opportunity and application process.  

The Mystic River Artist-in-Residence Program is part of the nationwide U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Inaugural Artist-In-Residence Program in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The EPA Artist in Residence Program supports a broad range of local artists and culture bearers in six geographic areas within National Estuary Programs (NEP) and Urban Waters Federal Partnership (UWFP) locations, including the Mystic River Watershed Urban Waters Federal Partnership: Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Partnership. 

Asphalt Art Initiative Info Session – October 28

Info Session on October 28th: Applications are open for Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative for cities in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. with populations of 50K or more. This program is part of ongoing work to research and demonstrate how art can improve the public realm, particularly with regard to improving street safety for pedestrians and cyclists. City-led teams can apply by January 31, 2025 for up to $100K for arts-driven street redesigns. 

Register for the info session on October 28, 2024 at 2 PM here.  

Looking to connect with like-minded practitioners across the country?

Cultural Corridor Planning in Latine Communities Webinar

Join the APA Arts & Planning Division for a webinar October 8, 2024: Cultural Corridor Planning in Latine Communities Register here

This panel discussion will explore the unique challenges and opportunities involved in planning cultural corridors within Latine communities. Featuring two dynamic leaders in the field. Susana Rojas, Executive Director of Calle 24 Latino Cultural District in San Francisco, and Elsa Mosquera, co-founder of Ágora Cultural Architects. Vidal F. Márquez, an urban planner and former Chair of the APA Latinos and Planning Division will moderate the discussion. 

This session will delve into their experiences fostering cultural identity, community resilience, and equitable development. From supporting cultural districts to empowering creators and advocating for equitable urban planning, the panelists will share insights on how to uplift Latine neighborhoods while preserving their heritage. (CM Credits: .75) 

MAPC's Arts and Culture Department delivers technical assistance in emerging practice areas including cultural planning, creative placemaking, creative community development, arts and cultural data collection and analysis, and cultural policy. 

We help cities and towns with policies, programs, and staffing that help arts and cultural assets grow and thrive by providing technical assistance with the full range of arts and culture planning issues – community development, economic development, public health, and the built and natural environment. The department's services include municipal and regional planning work, research projects, and the delivery of trainings that build planner expertise in arts, culture, and creativity.