Request for Information - Space for Creative Enterprise in Downtown

BACKGROUND

The City of Boston recognizes the critical importance of Downtown Boston to the entire City. It has long been the heart of the city’s history and identity—a place where revolution and innovation shaped the nation. In the 21st century, Downtown can once again lead as a beacon of creativity and innovation by bringing a resurgence of the creative economy to the neighborhood . This effort can foster a thriving cultural and economic hub in Downtown that celebrates Boston’s creative talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and technological advancement. By reimagining underutilized spaces, fostering arts-tech innovation, and providing accessible venues for artists, we will cultivate a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking Downtown. Downtown can act as a testing ground for other Boston neighborhoods to follow this model in the future.

The long-term vision for Creative Enterprise in Downtown Boston will attract diverse creators, residents, and businesses, fostering a community that both preserves Boston’s heritage and pushes the boundaries of what the city can become. Through collaborative partnerships, public programming, and incentives, new creative enterprises in Downtown Boston can redefine urban creativity, drawing in locals and visitors alike while reinforcing Boston’s role as a leader in the global creative economy.

Downtown Boston, with its central location, walkability, and proximity to cultural and innovation hubs, is ideally suited for a hub of creative enterprises. By uniting landowners, creatives, and city planners under a shared vision, we hope this can catalyze a long-term transformation, making Downtown a dynamic space for the cultural economy, commerce, and community and culture to reaffirm Boston’s identity as a city of creativity and progress.

Downtown Boston has long been a space of convergence—a meeting point of history, commerce, and culture. Now, it’s time to reimagine its potential as the heart of Boston’s creative future. Making Space for Culture is an invitation for visionary ideas to shape Downtown into a vibrant home for Creative Enterprise where arts, culture, and innovation thrive together.

We are seeking bold, transformative concepts from operators, cultural organizations, creative enterprises, and landowners to unlock Downtown Boston’s potential. Whether you’re an artist collective, an arts-tech innovator, or a property owner looking to breathe new life into your space, this is your opportunity to collaborate in revitalizing one of Boston’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

OBJECTIVES

Economic Revitalization: Increased foot traffic, business opportunities, and new job creation in the creative industries.
Community Gathering Spaces: Enhanced public spaces and community pride through active, accessible cultural programming.
Innovation Ecosystem: Attraction of talent and investment from tech and creative sectors, solidifying Downtown as a cultural and economic leader.

View the RFI for Space for Creative Enterprise in Downtown

Public Art + Design Proposal Form

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Interested in creating public art in Boston?

Why am I completing this form?
The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture and the Boston Art Commission believe that public art is any artwork installed in publicly accessible spaces where they can be experienced by everyone for free. In order to install art on public property, you will need approval from the Boston Art Commission and the department that owns the site.
Complete this form to start the approval process! Once you submit your application, the public art team will be in touch but you can reach out to us with questions at anytime! Please email us at BAC@boston.gov.

Please check out our website to see calls to artists and other opportunities! This form is not an application for funding but there are a couple of different options for finding funding through the city. You can also apply for the Opportunity Fund.

City of Boston Artist Housing Certification

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Artist Housing Certification Guidelines

What is an Artist Certificate?

An Artist Housing Certificate is a letter from Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture. The letter confirms that the artist has been active in their artistic practice in the past three years. An Artist Housing Certificate qualifies an artist as eligible for artist live/work housing and some work space in Boston. The Artist Housing Certification is valid for a period of eight years. Upon expiration, the artist will need to reapply to receive a new Artist Housing Certification. The Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture keeps a list of all spaces for artists in the City of Boston, whether they require the Artist Certification or not. Review those spaces here. The Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture does not maintain a waitlist for these spaces and is not able to confirm when these spaces will become available.

Who is eligible for an Artist Housing Certification?

Applicants must able to demonstrate that they have a recent body (last three years) of artwork and must be at least 18 years of age. Artists in the following disciplines are considered:

Visual Arts: including painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, conceptual art, craft arts (ceramics, woodworking, jewelry, etc.), architecture/design (not including engineering and home staging), media arts, film, and new media.
Performing Arts: including dance, theater, and music.
Literary Arts: including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and spoken word.
Multidisciplinary Art

If you are a commercial artist who has an office space to do your work, and/or works for a company instead of for yourself (sole proprietor) we require examples of your personal fine art to ensure that you need an artist space for your artistic work. This is also the case for artists who are employed full-time in other industries.

Who reviews the applications?

The Artist Resource Manager in the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture reviews applications.

The decision of the Artist Resource Manager is final. If an applicant is not certified during this round, it is because they were not able to convey that they have been actively making art in the past three years through their application.

Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria.

Evidence of a recent body of work (last three years), demonstrated by an artistic resume or CV that lists dates and locations of exhibitions, publications, performances, press, awards, artist residencies, jobs held in arts discipline field, and formal training if you have it.
Documentation of artwork (or "work samples) including image files, video clips, and writing samples. Files must be dated or they will not be considered.
One reference letter of support from peers and professionals in the arts who can confirm you have been active in your artistic practice over the past three years.

When are applications accepted?

Applications for the Artist Certification are reviewed every other month. Please check out website to see when we will be reviewing applications.

When will I hear back about the status of my application?

Use the link above to check when we will be reviewing applications.

What is Automatic Certification?

Automatic certification is granted to artists who have received any of the following awards in the last 3 years: the Massachusetts Cultural Council Artist Fellowship, The Boston Foundation Brother Thomas Fellowship, the Boston Cultural Council Artist Fellowship, or the City of Boston Emerging Artist Award.

To receive automatic certification, please fill out your name and contact information in the Artist Housing Certification application and upload your fellowship letter in the Work Samples section. Letter must prove reception of award in the past three years.

Strand Theatre Rental Application

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The Strand Theatre serves as a cultural and educational resource to artists and audiences, regardless of race or cultural background, age, ability, gender, economic level, or sexual orientation. Please complete the application below based on your rental needs.

Please note: The first quote for your event is an estimate only. A final quote cannot be completed until all technical information and production schedule are complete and reviewed by the Strand Technical Director and General Manager. All forms and schedules must be reviewed no later than 60 days prior to your event.

Things to know before you apply:

Any show running 90 minutes or longer must have an intermission
All performances must have a stage manager, and this person cannot be the MC.
View the Strand Theatre rate card here, and the technical information packet here.

Ticketing

Tickets may be produced through the Strand Theatre's box office (fees apply). Renters may print their own tickets and have the right to sell tickets at a third party location, however tickets cannot be sold until the following are completed:

Lease application
Signed contract
Insurance certificate
Copy of headliner signed contract with the organization (if applicable)

Insurance

Lessee must provide their own liability insurance. They must obtain either a one day entertainment policy (coverage of one million of liability minimum) or a rider from their existing policy. Insurance must list additional insured as the Strand Theatre - location and venue Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Rd, Dorchester, MA. 02125

Hip Hop, hard rock performances, and sporting events are not covered under standard liability. A copy of secured insurance must be provided at least 30 days in advance. Failure to provide an accurate genre description of your event or artist roster will result in an automatic termination of your event.

If service of liquor is approved for your event, you must apply for a one day liquor license from the City of Boston and apply for liability coverage at least 60 days prior to your event. Service must be by a licensed bartender. This coverage is only applicable provided the venue has not obtained coverage and is not operating a house bar. Lessee will provide 2 copies of all permits and licenses. Lessee may obtain liquor services from a catering company that has a traveling liquor liability license and tip certified bartender for service (this is the best option).

Event Security

Security guards are booked based on the number of patrons expected and the type of performance. Changes to booking must be completed at least two weeks prior to the event. Boston Police details are booked on the same criteria and are at the discretion of management (and in some instances, the Boston Police Department). Management reserves the right to add additional security staff during an event at the Lessees' expense. Laminates or optional pre-approved staff recognition badges are required for Lessees' event staff. In addition, a list of all approved backstage staff employed by Lessee and Artist/Performers must be provided.

Advertisement and Website

Events will be linked on the Strand Theatre website at no cost to Lessee. All clients advertising a ticketed event must also create an event listing on the ArtsBoston calendar and send it to us prior to the event. Events will be listed on a revolving marquee with all other scheduled events. Please provide a description of your event and send a flier, photo or image for the website. Other than the above mentioned advertisement and listing, The Strand is not responsible for any additional advertisement, media, print or video marketing of the Lessee’s event.

Video/Photos/Audio

It is at the discretion of the Lessee to allow video/audio or photos. All photography stations must not obstruct patron aisles or handicap seating. All cables and wiring running on or through walkways, stairs or entrances, must be secured and taped down properly. Please discuss set up area requirements with the Technical Director. Bring extra gaffing tape and/or walkway covers to prevent cancellation of use.

Event Merchandise Sales

The Strand has 10 2x6 folding tables and 50 folding chairs for use during events. The rental of additional tables and chairs are the Lessee’s responsibility. You must supply all table cloths.

Merchandise sales may include CDs, DVDs, clothing, photos, and books. If approved, any edible items require a one day vendor’s license and health permit, obtained from City Hall. All food vendors must be pre-approved by the Strand General Manager. Two copies of all paperwork must be submitted one week prior to the event. Food items must be wrapped individually and gloves and head nets must be worn at all times. Vendor food items allowed - cupcakes, specialty cookies and other pre-approved baked goods associated with the event. There is a power source to assist with the selling of merchandise and all extension cords must be supplied by vendors.

There is a $25.00 fee, per station required for the sale of any and all merchandise, by Lessee and/or Lessee’s vendors. It must be in the form of a bank check or money order, made out to the Strand Theatre. All fees apply unless waived by the Strand General Manager.

Decorations

Allowed decorations include: balloons, free standing displays, posters, photographs, informational displays, literature tables, approved banners, and flowers. Drapery/fabric is permitted only if they meet safety/fire codes for the venue. You must provide a copy of all current fire retardant certificates for these items.

The gallery space has hanging lips for artwork and 12 picture hanging rods. Lessee/ its vendors must get pre-approval before any items are affixed to the walls. Due to the age of the plaster on walls you cannot nail or tape items to the walls. Please discuss all decoration ideas for pre-approval.

Event Catering

Organizations can provide catering for the event, which can include full meals. Lessee may use any licensed catering company of their choice. Caterers must provide a copy of all current licenses, fire permits and insurance if applicable and follow all safe serve and food handling requirements for transporting, service and staffing. The Strand does not have a working kitchen space for catering, therefore catering companies providing food service must be completely mobile.

Event Sound

Please refer to the Strand Technical Specifications for house sound equipment.

All wires and cables running throughout walkways, stair and public traffic must be taped down with gaffing tape and/or portable cable walkways. A charge of $35.00 per roll for gaffing tape will apply, if supplied by the Strand. (No exception) This amount will be collected from Lessee prior to the show.

All optional microphones such as body and head microphones must be rented by Lessee. The Strand can supply a vendor contact if needed, but will not be responsible for pick-up and return. The Strand is not responsible for poor sound quality or damages to rented microphones. Lessee is responsible for providing AAA batteries for each wireless mic required. Fresh batteries for each mic will be required for each performance.

Event Lighting & Scene Requirements

Please refer to Strand Technical Specifications for house lighting equipment provided in the Technical packet.

Basic color washes are available through our technical team. Any color not in the house supply may be supplied with advance notification. Please allow adequate time to restore all house equipment back to its original place after removing it for special lighting and/or sound equipment. Soft Goods: The Strand has a main curtain and valance, three (3) panels of black borders, three (3) sets of black legs, one (1) scrim, one (2) panels Upstage travelers(1) one Cyc and (1) one movie screen for front throw movie projection or color wash . The Strand does not provide rigging /flying hardware other than the line sets available. (See Strand Technical Specifications) We do not provide general construction hardware to organizations nor do we have an area or maintain supplies to build sets in house. It is the Lessee’s responsibility to ensure safe hardware usage and maintenance and to maintain all scenic pieces including fire retardant certificates. Fire certificates must be provided for all upholstered furniture and set design fabrics being used on stage. *** Please allow at least 60 days to complete the Fire Certificate process. Applications are available online through Fire Dept. or at 1010 Massachusetts Ave.

The use of hazing requires fire details and auto-system shut off monitor. The number of marshals is based on the number of patrons and the rate is based on the detail marshal's position rank. Additional fees include fire system monitor turn off/on ($640), truck fee ($50), 7am – 3 pm $130 per hr. after 3 pm $190 per hr.., Sat $190 per hr., Sun $220 per hr. The use of hazing is a lengthy process and must be scheduled 90 days in advance. The Strand’s Fire System will need to be turned off one hour before show begins and remains off until all vapors have dissipated from the theater. A monitor remains at the system for the duration and is billed to Lessee directly. Average cost for hazing use on a weekend is $2500 up per day.

All application forms and permits can be found here: www.boston.gov/departments/fire-prevention/fire-forms-permits-application-and-fees

You must know what kind of machine and chemicals you will be using and it cannot be changed once approved

Restoration Fee

It is the responsibility of the Lessee to allocate enough time in their schedule for load-out and to restore all Strand lighting & sound equipment, staging, and general building areas to the condition in which you received it or back to the Strand working condition if you requested anything removed for your event. Staff hours will be been scheduled and billed into your invoice. However, if additional time is needed due to your organization's failure to comply with restoral requirements, you will be charged a $300.00 restoral fee plus any staff hours required. A walkthrough must be done at the end of Load-out and restoral time, to assess completion and/or damages.

FY26 Boston Cultural Council Organizational Grant

Ends on

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Boston Cultural Council Organizational Grant and Application Guidelines

Fall 2025, Fiscal Year 2026

Please note: If you are signed in and have scrolled to the bottom of this page, you will find an eligibility form. If your organization is eligible for this grant program, the page will refresh and the application will become available below these guidelines, at the bottom of this page.

About the Boston Cultural Council and the BCC Grant

The Boston Cultural Council (BCC) distributes general operating grants annually through the BCC Organizational Grant. These funds are sourced from the City of Boston’s Operating Budget, and the Mass Cultural Council (MCC), a state agency, to strengthen small and mid-sized nonprofit and fiscally-sponsored organizations, as well as fiscally sponsored unincorporated entities and artist collectives. The goal is to invest in the overall operations and capacity-building of organizations that:

Fosters innovative and original arts, cultural, and creative programming,
Advance a more just and inclusive creative sector that is responsive, community-informed, and accessible, and
Improve the quality of life in our city through meaningful arts, cultural, and creative programming.

The BCC grant program works in tandem with other programs within MOAC to ensure that all Boston residents–regardless of background, income, or neighborhood–have access to and can participate in arts and culture as a part of daily life.

The BCC is a 7+ member council composed of Boston residents and is facilitated by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture (MOAC). Council members work in partnership with MOAC on the strategic direction of the grant program, and they also provide final approval of selected grantees. Council members are selected on the basis of their lived experience within Boston’s arts, cultural, and creative communities and their demonstrated commitment to cultural equity.

Our Commitment To Equity

To truly thrive, Boston must be an equitable city. The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture (MOAC) and the Boston Cultural Council acknowledge the systemic harm perpetuated by Boston’s arts sector. People of color in Boston have faced significant barriers to creative resources, space, and economic opportunity. We commit to an intersectional racial justice lens that uplifts those most harmed by systemic oppression and racism. We hold ourselves accountable to implement policies and programs that eliminate structural racism, embrace collective healing, and center Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color and LGBTQIA+ community members, as well as those who face discrimination due to their age, gender, disability, social status, neighborhood, citizenship status, and more. The BCC, in partnership with MOAC, envisions a vibrant and creative Boston, where everyone can access and participate in the arts.

BCC Grant Strategy and Priorities

Ensuring that BCC grants contribute toward its goals requires a deliberate focus on funding organizations that embody and advance cultural equity within Boston's arts ecosystem. BCC also seeks to address inequities in arts funding across the city. A 2016 study published by The Boston Foundation highlights that while small to mid-sized organizations comprise 86% of Boston's arts sector, they receive disproportionately less funding compared to larger institutions.

To counter this imbalance, the BCC prioritizes support for small to mid-sized arts organizations in the Boston arts ecosystem by focusing on organizations with annual budgets under $2 million, committing the majority of grant funds to those with the smallest budgets. Priority is given to organizations where arts and cultural programming are central to their mission. Only organizations who can demonstrate over 50% of their programming is located in the city of Boston are eligible for this grant. In summary, BCC is committed to fund small to mid-sized organizations that exemplify and promote cultural equity in the Boston arts ecosystem.

The Basics

Contact: For questions regarding the BCC Organizational Grant, please email artsgrants@boston.gov and use the subject line, “Question about BCC Grant Application” or leave a message at 617-635-4445

Funding Source: Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture Operating Funds and Mass Cultural Council

Total Funds Available: estimated to be $800,000

Size of grants: $10,000, $7,500, and $5,000

Important Dates: The application opens on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. The deadline for submitting an application is Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM. Grants will be disbursed by the end of spring 2026.

BCC Grant Categories and Eligibility

Eligibility: Who is Eligible to Apply?

501(c)(3) organizations with a current annual operating budget under $2 million whose mission and programming demonstrates a clear commitment to foster and sustain the arts and/or cultural creative expression in any arts discipline
Boston-based organizations or organizations not based in the City of Boston but whose primary programming takes place in Boston and demonstrates strong community partnership. Reviewers will be looking for specific examples of public benefit to the people of Boston, and confirmation that the organization provides 50% or more of their programming in the city of Boston.
Unincorporated groups can apply with a fiscal sponsor as long as they meet the rest of the eligibility criteria. This includes: artist collectives, volunteer groups, publications, and any other group jointly working toward common creative goals.
Organizations can submit only one proposal per funding cycle.

Grant Categories

Organizations may apply for funding based on their organizational budget (total expenses from the most recently completed fiscal year). If selected, organizations will receive the full amount associated with their budget category:

Tier 1: $10,000Organizations with budgets less than $500,000 qualify for Tier 1.
Tier 2: $7,500Organizations with budgets between $500,000 to $1,000,000 qualify for Tier 2.
Tier 3: $5,000Organizations with budgets between $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 qualify for Tier 3.

Grant Fund Restrictions

Grant funding may not be used for the following:

Salaries or stipends for employees of the Boston school system, library, parks department, or any other municipal agency.
Capital expenditures for schools, libraries, and other municipal agencies.
Any activity, service, or operations that discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, or age.
The purchase of alcohol.

Important note: This is not a program-specific grant. The BCC Organizational Grant is a general operating grant intended to support the overall operations of an organization, rather than a particular project or program.

Additionally, the Boston Cultural Council does not fund grants to:

Individuals (Individual artists seeking funding from the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture may be eligible for the Opportunity Fund.)
K-12 schools or K-12 school foundations.
Main Streets organizations.
Colleges or universities, or organizations/programs affiliated with colleges or universities.
“Friends of…” organizations whose primary purpose is to support government entities.
Religious organizations or programs of any kind. Religious organizations can serve as fiscal sponsors as long as they are not receiving any of the funds provided.

How to Apply

Application Checklist

Account registration with Submittable.com
Most recent financial information like a board approved budget. If helpful, you can upload your budget completed using the BCC budget template
Financial documents such as Forms 990 or 1023 that contain your organization’s EIN, W year of formation, and NTEE code (if applicable)
Materials for the online application including your organization’s mission statement
Up to three support materials such as brochures, flyers, images, testimonials, or other collateral that demonstrates your programming and mission (optional)

Application Forms and Submission

BCC uses Submittable for all grant applications. The FY26 BCC Organizational Grant application can be found here. If you would like to review the application questions in advance of starting an application, you can go here. If you are a first time applicant, you will need to create an account with Submittable. Grant updates and final reports will be made through this account, so we recommend using an email address that is generic for your organization - something that multiple people have access to. While we strongly prefer to have all proposals submitted online, we also accept hand-written hard copies using our paper application. Hard copies can be picked up in the MOAC’s office: 1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA 02108 (Eighth floor, Room 802).

Application Opening and Deadline

The BCC grant application opens on September 2, 2025. The application deadline is Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 5:00PM. If you are submitting a hand-written hard copy, it must be received no later than October 16, or delivered to the MOAC’s office by 5:00PM on October 16.

No late applications will be accepted, and MOAC staff will not be available after 5pm on October 16. To avoid technical issues, it is strongly recommended to submit your application before the deadline. If you do experience any last minute technical issues, please email us before the 5:00 PM deadline with both your completed application (in a document) and screenshot of the issue.

Application Support

We have a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that you can access here and on our website. We will be updating it weekly to include the questions applicants are sending in and their answers, in case that information is helpful to other applicants.

If your question is not resolved through the FAQ, or you would like to meet with a staff member, the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture will host office hours for applicants to discuss the BCC Organizational Grant and its application. The office hours schedule is as follows:

Monday, September 15, 2025 from 4:30-5:30PM
Friday, October 3, 2025 at 11AM EST

You can access office hours using this link.

Applicants also have the opportunity to work with members of the Arts Action Consortium (AAC) to receive free, one on one support with their proposal. Applicants can sign up for an individual time slot to meet with a seasoned grant writer and/or advisor who can provide feedback on the proposed project, written content, and narrative framing of the application. To learn more about the AAC and to sign up for a review session, please visit their website.

Accessibility and Accommodations

If you need accommodations, assistance with your application, or if you have any further questions, please contact the grants team at BCC@Boston.gov with the subject line “Question about BCC Grant Application” or leave a message at 617-635-4445. A member from our grants team will follow up with you within 4-5 business days. Due to a high volume of applicants, we strongly suggest you attend an office hour if you have questions. Answers to questions from this year will be added to the FAQ.

Review Process

Once received, grant applications are initially reviewed for eligibility and completeness. If eligible and complete, applications are assigned for review, scored via an evaluation rubric, discussed and selected by the Grant Advisory Team, and approved by the BCC board. All applicants will be notified of BCC funding decisions in early spring 2026.

The BCC is committed to implementing transparent, equitable and inclusive grantmaking practices. The BCC Organizational Grant review process will engage MOAC’s Grant Advisory Team, a cohort of diverse stakeholders inclusive of community members and MOAC staff. The aim of the Grant Advisory Team is to position community members as key decision makers on systems and structures that ultimately have the power to shape their lives and the well-being of their communities.

Evaluation Criteria

Once basic eligibility is met, proposals will be evaluated based on a set criteria. Please see the rubric that starts on page 6 of our guidelines document to view the evaluation criteria.

Reconsideration

An applicant may request reconsideration of a decision on its application if the applicant can demonstrate that the BCC failed to follow published application and review procedures. Reconsideration requests must be made in writing (email or hard copy) and sent to the Mass Cultural Council at the address below or to lcc@art.state.ma.us within fifteen (15) days of the notification date on the disapproval letter (postmark date on envelope or timestamp on email). No reconsideration may be requested by grantees regarding their grant size.

Mass Cultural Council

Attn: Community Department

10 St. James Avenue, 3rd Floor

Boston, MA 02116-3803

Grant Payment

During the FY26 grant cycle, all Boston Cultural Council grants will be made in full and up front in spring of 2026. All grantees will need to establish a Supplier ID before payment is processed. You can go here to learn how to create a Supplier ID (also sometimes referred to as a “Vendor ID”). Please email vendor.questions@boston.gov or call 617-961-1058 for additional assistance.

Grant reporting is required for all grant amounts. You can find the final report here.

Conflict of Interest

The Boston Cultural Council observes the Mass Cultural Council’s Conflict of Interest Policy regarding review panels. To ensure that all review panels are free from conflicts of interests, panelists are required to disclose any current or prospective affiliations they or their immediate family members have with an actual or potential applicant. “Affiliation” applies to employment, board memberships, independent contractual relationships, advisory or policy relationships, substantial contributor relationships, or other financial relationships. In addition, panelists are required to disclose any past or current adversarial relationships with actual or potential applicants. Panelists will not be permitted to participate in discussions or votes relating to applicants with whom they have an affiliation or relationship.

BABEL NOTICE

English: IMPORTANT! This document or application contains important information about your rights, responsibilities and/or benefits. It is crucial that you understand the information in this document and/or application, and we will provide the information in your preferred language at no cost to you. If you need them, please contact us at arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov or 617-635-4445.

Spanish-Español: !IMPORTANTE! Este documento o solicitud contiene información importante sobre sus derechos, responsabilidades y/o beneficios. Es fundamental que usted entienda la información contenida en este documento y/o solicitud, y le proporcionaremos la información en su idioma preferido sin costo alguno para usted. Si lo necesita, póngase en contacto con nosotros en el correo electrónico arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov o llamando al 617-635-4445.

Haitian Creole -Kreyòl ayisyen: AVI ENPÒTAN! Dokiman oubyen aplikasyon sa a genyen enfòmasyon ki enpòtan konsènan dwa ou, responsablite ou, ak/oswa benefis ou yo. Li enpòtan ke ou konprann enfòmasyon ki nan dokiman ak/oubyen aplikasyon sa a, e n ap bay enfòmasyon an nan lang ou pi pito an gratis pou ou. Si w bezwen yo, tanpri kontakte nou nan arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov oswa 617-635-4445.

Traditional Chinese - 繁體中文: 非常重要！這份文件或申請表格, 包括關於您的權利、責任和／或福利的重要信息。請您務必完全了解這份文件, 或申請表格的全部信息，以及我們會以您選擇的語言，免費向您提供信息。如果您有需要，請聯繫我們 arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov 電話# 617-635-4445。

Vietnamese - Tiếng Việt: QUAN TRỌNG! Tài liệu hoặc đơn yêu cầu này chứa thông tin quan trọng về các quyền, trách nhiệm và/hoặc lợi ích của bạn. Việc bạn hiểu rõ thông tin trong tài liệu và/hoặc đơn yêu cầu này rất quan trọng, và chúng tôi sẽ cung cấp thông tin bằng ngôn ngữ bạn muốn miễn phí. Nếu bạn cần những dịch vụ này, vui lòng liên lạc với chúng tôi theo địa chỉ arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov hoặc 617-635-4445.

Simplified Chinese - 简体中文: 非常重要！这份文件或申请表格, 包括关于您的权利、责任和／或福利的重要信息。请您务必完全了解这份文件, 或申请表格的全部信息，以及我们会以您选择的语言，免费向您提供信息。如果您有需要，请联系我们 arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov 电话# 617-635-4445。

Cabo Verdean Creole - kriolu: INPURTANTI! Es dukumentu ó aplikason ten informason inpurtanti sobri bu direitus, rasponsabilidadis i/ó benefísius. Ê krusial ki bu intendi informason na es dukumentu i/ó aplikason ó nu ta da informason na língua di bu preferênsia sen ninhun kustu pa bó. Si bu prisiza del, kontata-nu na arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov ó 617-635-4445.

  Arabic - العربية
                                  تنبيه هام! يحتوي هذا المستند أو طلب على معلومات هامة عن حقوقك و/ أو مسؤولياتك و/ أو منافعك. من المهم أن تفهم المعلومات الواردة في هذا المستند و/ أو طلب، وسوف نوفر لك هذه المعلومات بلغة اختيارك دون تحملك أي تكلفة. إذا كنت بحاجة إلى ذلك، يرجى الاتصال بنا على العنوان arts@boston.gov،
                                  أو LCA@boston.gov، أو رقم الهاتف 6176354445.

Russian -Русский: ВАЖНО! В этом документе или заявлении содержится важная информация о ваших правах, обязанностях и/или льготах. Для нас очень важно, чтобы вы понимали приведенную в этом документе и/или заявлении информацию, и мы готовы бесплатно предоставить вам информацию на предпочитаемом вами языке. Если Вам они нужны, просьба связаться с нами по адресу электронной почты arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov, либо по телефону 617-635-4445.

Portuguese - Português: IMPORTANTE! Este documento ou formulário contém informações importantes sobre os seus direitos, responsabilidades e/ou benefícios. É importante compreendê-las; podemos fornecê-las gratuitamente no idioma de sua preferência. Para solicitar, fale conosco: arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov ou 617-635-4445.

French - Français: IMPORTANT ! Ce document ou cette demande contient des informations importantes concernant vos droits, responsabilités et/ou avantages. Il est essentiel que vous compreniez les informations contenues dans ce document et/ou cette demande, que nous pouvons vous communiquer gratuitement dans la langue de votre choix. Si vous en avez besoin, veuillez nous contacter à arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov ou au 617-635-4445.

Somali - Af Soomaali: MUHIIM AH! Dukumintigaan ama arjigaan waxaa kujira macluumaad muhiim ah oo ku saabsan xuquuqdaada, waajibaadkaaga iyo/ama dheefahaaga. Aad ayey muhiim u tahay inaad fahamto macluumaadka ku qoran dukumintigan iyo/ama dalabkan, waxaana ku siin doonnaa macluumaadka ku qoran luqadda aad doorbidayso iyadoo aan lacag lagaa qaadaynin. Haddii aad u baahatid iyaga, fadlan nagala soo xiriir arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov ama 617-635-4445.

Opportunity Fund FY26

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OVERVIEW

The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture (MOAC) believes artists and cultural workers play a vital role in shaping a healthy, vibrant, and just society. To support this belief, the Opportunity Fund provides project-based grants to Boston-based artists and cultural workers to create and present creative community-centered experiences that expand access to arts and culture across all neighborhoods.

The Opportunity Fund was created in response to Boston residents' call for more neighborhood-based arts activities, greater recognition of local cultural assets, and stronger support for artists. By investing in the creative labor of individual artists and cultural workers through a structure that prioritizes our communities’ access to the arts, the fund strengthens Boston’s civic fabric and supports more equitable participation in the arts for all Bostonians. It affirms MOAC’s belief that every neighborhood should be home to meaningful cultural expression—and that local artists are essential civic partners in that work.

This grant is designed to help artists take advantage of immediate opportunities to showcase their work through a quick, easy-to-complete application (about 20 minutes). Many artists and cultural workers may already have an upcoming project they are planning that could be eligible. Funds may support all or part of a confirmed project that is publicly accessible, offers a clear community benefit, and is entirely free to participants and audience members. Applicants are encouraged to share how their work promotes inclusion, representation, and shared cultural experience.

Recipients will be selected through a weighted lottery process, which ensures timely processing of applications while prioritizing equity in the distribution of funds. Weighted priority given to:

Performing artists
Individuals from low-income backgrounds or experiencing financial insecurity
Artists living in Chinatown, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Mission Hill, and Roxbury
Artists proposing projects in the neighborhoods where they reside
Applicants who were not awarded the Opportunity Fund in last year’s application cycle (you CAN apply if you have received funding in the past, you just will not receive weighted priority in this category)

Please read through the full grant description prior to applying. Please note: If you are signed in to Submittable and have scrolled to the bottom of this page, you will find an eligibility form. If you are eligible for this grant program, the application will become available below these guidelines, after you press "next" under the eligibility form, at the bottom of this page.

THE BASICS

Contact: For questions regarding the Opportunity Fund grant please email artsgrants@boston.gov and use the subject line, “Opportunity Fund Grant Questions.” You can also call 617-635-4445.

Funding Source: Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture Operating Funds

Size of grants: $3,000

Important Dates: The application opens on September 2, 2025. The deadline for submitting an application is October 16, 2025 at 5:00PM. Grant-funded projects must occur between September 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026. Grants will be awarded and disbursed by December 31, 2025.

Applicants can apply to support eligible projects happening this fall, before decisions are made and grants are disbursed. If they are chosen as an Opportunity Fund grantee, they will receive funding after their project has occurred. Applicants are not guaranteed to receive funding.

FUNDING ELIGIBILITY AND PRIORITIES

Eligibility: Who is eligible to apply?

Individual applicants should meet all of the following criteria to be eligible.

You are 18+ years of age
You are an active working individual artists, creative/cultural workers, teaching artists, and cultural practitioners of all artistic backgrounds and disciplines (subsequently referred to as “creative workers” throughout these guidelines)
You are currently a resident of the city of Boston, and have lived in the city of Boston for at least one full year at the time of this application
You are not currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student or graduate student
Due to limited funding and the goal to partner with a diverse range of arts stakeholders, the following are ineligible for this grant:
- Previous Neighborhood and Downtown Activation Grantees who received over $20,000 in total.

Creative Community-centered Experience Criteria

Experiences must be in a location that is publicly accessible and ADA accessible in the city of Boston. Examples include but are not limited to: public buildings such as libraries, schools, or less traditional arts-learning spaces such as community-based organizations, businesses, and parks.
Experiences must be entirely free to the public.
Applicants must ensure that they have or will receive permission to use the location that they propose hosting their experience or the appropriate permits. Learn more about common permits for special events in Boston.
Creative community-centered experiences must take place by the end of August 2026.
Some examples of a Creative Community-centered Experience are, but are not limited to: a dance class, a concert or performance, a gallery exhibition, an arts educational class, or a cultural event.

Grant Fund Restrictions

City of Boston employees or immediate family of City of Boston employees are not eligible to apply
Non-individuals (such as artists collectives, businesses, or organizations) are not eligible to apply
This funding cannot support inherently religious programming
Funding cannot go towards the purchase of alcohol as a project expense

Funding Priorities

Please note that the funding priorities are different from the eligibility requirements. We encourage you to apply if you meet the eligibility requirements, but do not meet all, some, or any of the funding priorities below. To learn more about how we chose our funding priorities click here.

Creative workers with an individual annual income under 80% of the median household income in Boston ($92,650)
Creative workers with an individual annual income under 30% of the median household income in Boston ($34,750)
Performing artists
Applicants who did not receive the Opportunity Fund in our most recent application cycle.
Artists proposing projects in the neighborhoods where they reside.
Residents in neighborhoods who live in the following neighborhoods: Chinatown, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Mission Hill, and Roxbury.
Creative community-centered experiences planned in the neighborhoods listed above.

Additional information to consider

You must provide a physical address where you reside in Boston.
MOAC reserves the right to request additional documentation to verify Boston residency.
You may need to pay taxes on grants you’ve received.
Payment will be made to you as an individual
If you receive public benefits that are income-limited and/or include asset limitations, this grant may impact those benefits.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND TIMELINE

The application is available here on Submittable, below these guidelines, and open from September 2, 2025 through October 16, 2025 by 5:00 PM. No late applications will be accepted, and MOAC staff will not be available after 5pm on October 16. To avoid technical issues, it is strongly recommended to submit your application before the deadline. If you do experience any last minute technical issues, please email us before the 5:00 PM deadline with both your completed application (in a document) and screenshot of the issue.

MOAC understands grantwriting is labor intensive. We specifically made this application as accessible and time sensitive as possible, and it should not take an applicant more than 20 minutes to complete.

A condensed application and review process is as follows. Click here to review our evaluation rubric, which includes detailed descriptions of eligibility criteria and weighted priority areas.

Submit a brief application outlining your Creative community-centered experience via Submittable
MOAC will review of applications to ensure applicants meet eligibility criteria following the submission deadline
Eligible applicants who self-identify as members of priority areas will receive additional entries into the lottery
Eligible applicants will be entered into a lottery
Grantees will be chosen using Random Picker
Applicants will be notified of the status of their application status
Funding will be disbursed to grantees

Grant Payments and Requirements

To receive funding, grantees will need to establish a Supplier ID before payment is processed. You can go here to learn how to create a Supplier ID (also sometimes referred to as a “Vendor ID”). Please email vendor.questions@boston.gov or call 617-961-1058 for additional assistance.
All grantees will be asked to submit a brief final report describing how their project contributed to their community.

Review Application Questions

Applications will be accepted here, through Submittable. If you would like to review application questions before applying, you can review them here.

Accessibility and Accommodations

If you need accommodations or assistance with your application, please contact the grants team at artsgrants@boston.gov with subject line “Opportunity Fund,” or leave a message at 617-635-2787, and someone from the grants team will be in touch with you.

2025 Fay Chandler Emerging Art Exhibition

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NOTICE OF ACCOMMODATIONS

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Galleries and Exhibitions Manager via email at mariana.rodriguezrey@boston.gov

__________________________________________________________________________________________

OVERVIEW

The City of Boston is accepting submissions for the 9th annual Fay Chandler Emerging Art Exhibition at the Boston City Hall Galleries, a celebration of the vibrant Boston visual arts community. Artists who live or work in the Greater Boston area are encouraged to apply. Hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, the Fay Chandler Emerging Art Exhibition will feature contemporary artworks by local emerging artists. Inspired by Fay Chandler, a Boston philanthropist and arts advocate, this exhibition celebrates emerging artists of all ages. Chandler, who began her artistic journey later in life, is a symbol of inspiration and perseverance for our community. This exhibition is possible thanks to the generosity of the Fay Chandler family.

Selected artists will be part of an exhibition that will be on display at the Boston City Hall Galleries from November 10, 2025 to January 30, 2026.

DEADLINE: October 13, 2025 at 4:59 p.m. EST

ABOUT THE BOSTON CITY HALL GALLERIES

The Boston City Hall Galleries showcase contemporary emerging and mid-career local artists and art organizations. The galleries aim to nurture Boston’s local art scene by displaying a variety of mediums and perspectives that reflect the city’s diversity. Our mission is to provide spaces that present memorable, groundbreaking, concept-driven exhibitions that engage local communities, spark conversations on social issues, and inspire a sense of belonging within Boston City Hall.
We acknowledge that our galleries are built on the traditional homeland of the Massachusett people and the home of the neighboring Wampanoag and Nipmuc peoples. Along with the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, we believe the arts play a crucial role in driving social change and creating a thriving, healthy community for all.

ELIGIBILITY

This opportunity is for artists who:

Live or work in the Greater Boston area (Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth or Suffolk County)
Are 18 years of age or older
Are early in their careers, regardless of age, with ambitious goals and demonstrated artistic potential. This might include but is not limited to:
- Someone who has been creating work for five years or less
- Recent or current students
- Someone who has a limited exhibition history
Applicants whose work explores themes such as identity, equity, climate change, housing accessibility, civil rights or social issues are strongly encouraged to apply
Artists represented by a commercial gallery are ineligible
Artists previously accepted in this exhibition are ineligible

EXHIBITION DETAILS

Artists may submit up to 3 artworks for consideration. If accepted, one work will be displayed.
All media are welcome, subject to installation requirements and space limitations.
Artists selected for the exhibition will be notified by October 20, 2025.
Selected artists will be part of an exhibition that will be on display at the Boston City Hall Galleries from November 10, 2025 to January 30, 2026.

ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS

2D artworks must be ready to hang (please review our Installation Guide) and be no longer than 30 x 30 in. (including frame).
3D artworks cannot exceed 18in. in diameter.
All artwork submitted must have been created within the last 3 years.

COMMITMENTS

Selected artists are responsible for transporting their artwork to and from the gallery. Artists must be available to drop off their work between October 27 and November 1, 2025 and pick up their work between February 2 - 7, 2026.
All participating artists must sign a waiver, available in the submission form. The City of Boston and Boston City Hall Galleries will take care of selected pieces to the best of their abilities, however they are not responsible for any damage to artwork while on display.
All artwork must remain installed during the exhibition period agreed on.

PRIZES (total of $8,500 in awards for 6 winners)

Best in Show: $3,000.00
50+: $2,000.00
New Voice: $2,000.00
3 Juror’s Choice Awards: $500 each

SELECTION PROCESS

Proposals will be reviewed and selected by the Galleries and Exhibitions Manager. They will be scored based on the criteria found on this rubric. Decisions will be notified by October 20th. The prizes will be awarded by three jurors that will be evaluating the selected artworks under the same criteria.

ABOUT FAY CHANDLER

Fay Chandler, a mom of four, discovered a passion for painting in the 1960s while being in her early forties. After earning a Fine Arts degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art, she opened a gallery in Baltimore and became a prominent figure in Boston's art scene after returning to New England. In 1995, she founded The Art Connection, matching artists with non-profit organizations. A dedicated philanthropist, Chandler supported arts education for young people until her passing in 2015.

City of Boston Arts and Culture