As the epicenter of the City of Boston, City Hall Plaza is a place where all Boston residents, visitors and newcomers have access to participate in arts and cultural events. To honor the communal grief that the arts and culture sector is facing and respond to those most impacted by space inequity, the Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture (MOAC) will provide grants for programs and events to be held at City Hall Plaza. Through the City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant, MOAC aims to highlight programming that uplifts Boston’s diverse communities, responds to the current arts and culture climate, and restores the use of City Hall Plaza as a core space for people within the arts and culture sector.
SELECTION CRITERIA The selection process for the City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant is guided by the following core values:
● Vision: Programming that elevates arts, culture, and/or creative expression
● Commitment to Equity: City Hall Plaza is a space for everyone and our goal is to provide funding for programs on the plaza to support communities that were disproportionately affected and impacted by COVID 19.
● Need for Space: All programs will demonstrate the need for additional cultural spaces in Boston due to the loss of space or inability to afford space.
● Cultural Relevance: All programs should engage with the current social, cultural, or civic climate that uplifts Boston's arts and cultural sector.
● Community Partnerships: All programs should center partnerships with community members, artists and key stakeholders toward a shared vision of uplifting Boston’s arts and culture sector.
● PMD Permit Requirement: All programs must first obtain approval of their event date from the City of Boston Property Management Department prior to applying for this Grant. Submit your date for approval here.
● Location: City Hall Plaza will highlight organizations and artists who are located in the Greater Boston Area, communities residing east I-495 in Massachusetts, and/or national partners who have had a longstanding relationship with Boston communities (reference map).
FUNDING STRUCTURE
The funding is divided into four tiers to include a range of arts and cultural programs or events. The amount of funding allocated to each tier is informed by the budget and scale of the proposed idea. In some cases MOAC will make suggestions and offer a recommended amount based on our capacity to fund, produce or sponsor programs. All programs and events funded by the CHP Engagement Grant will be sponsored by MOAC and will be free and open to the public.
To learn more or see the complete grant guidelines click here! If you have any questions, comments or concerns please reach out to the Director of City Hall Plaza Engagement via email at billydean.thomas@boston.gov
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.
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.
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.
"In The Life and Time Of" Anthology
Call for Poetry & Prose
Submissions due by December 15, 2024, 11:59 pm
OVERVIEW
Background
Starting on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture will be accepting submissions for a new project — "In the Life and Time Of" — a collection of poems concerning modern life in Boston and New England, led by current Boston Poet Laureate, Porsha Olayiwola.
Established in 2008, the Boston Poet Laureate Program has been a cornerstone of Boston’s creative sector, drawing residents into the rich and transformative world of the literary arts. Poetry has the unique power to capture our history, illuminate the present, and spark hope and change for the future. The Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for Boston’s literary and creative communities, working in tandem with these communities to elevate the role of poetry in the everyday lives of Bostonians and inspire critical reflection through written and spoken word.
Porsha Olayiwola, Boston’s Poet Laureate, is curating an anthology reflecting on experiences of place tied to Boston or the New England region. Writers that are based in New England are invited to submit up to two examples of work of no more than 1-2 pages each, for consideration by December 15, 2024. The completed anthology will be made available at all branches of the Boston Public Library.
This call asks writers to center and reflect on the last several years of events occurring on this planet. From the insurrection and elections to a pandemic and then a reopening to protest and revolution to joy and persistence, write in remembrance and repair. Keep in mind this is an anthology of place. Poems and hybrid writing should be tied to experiences in Boston or the New England area, when possible.
A reading featuring selected works from “In The Life and Time Of” will take place in Boston in 2025.
Eligibility
Writers must be based in New England.
Timeline
Submissions open Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
- Submissions close Friday, December 6th, 2024 by 6:00 pm Please note: this is not a postmark date. Mailed applications must arrive at The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture no later than the end of the due date.
- Review Process: January - March 2025
- Notification of inclusion: March 2025
- Publication date: TBD
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Application Guidelines
All eligible applicants will need the following to apply:
- Up to two examples of work (poetry or prose) you would like to submit. Each one much be a maximum of two pages.
- A brief biography.
- Requested demographic information.
While digital entries are preferred and strongly encouraged, printed entries are also welcome and will be given equal consideration. To submit a printed application:
- Go here for a printout of the application.
- Mail to: The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, Attn: Tom Johnston, Boston City Hall, Room 802, 1 City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA 02201
- All entries must be submitted in a conventional font (such as Times New Roman) at 12-point size.
- Photocopied poems from publications are acceptable, however, name and/or address cannot be included. Please do not staple documents.
- If return of materials is desired, enclose a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage.
- Faxed or emailed applications will NOT be accepted.
Contact for Questions and/or Application Accommodations
For further information, or if you need accommodations or assistance with your application, please contact Tom Johnston in the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture at 617-635-1238 or thomas.johnston@boston.gov.
Commitment to Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
The Mayor’s Office is committed to building and maintaining a diverse community. Qualified applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category. Statistics show that women, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC and other structurally marginalized groups apply for opportunities only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. If this program excites you, you are encouraged to apply. No one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. We look forward to your application.
CALL TO ARTISTS
Un-monument | Re-monument | De-monument: Transforming Boston
What is a monument? Who do we choose to memorialize? How can our public spaces reflect what is important to us?
We’re collaborating with artists, local cultural organizations, and community members to imagine ways of commemorating the people, places, and events that are important to our communities.
The Basics
For the second year of Un-monument, the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture, via the Boston Art Commission, is commissioning temporary monuments from groundbreaking artists.
Through partnerships with artists and celebrated cultural organizations, Un-monument is presented through a series of interconnected activations including public art, free public talks at The Embrace with the Hutchins Center, writing with the Boston Art Review, and hands-on workshops at Emerson Contemporary.
The Un-monument initiative includes six curatorial approaches to commissioning temporary monuments across the City. Some Un-monument temporary monuments will be selected through this open call to artists led by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture. Others are the result of direct commissions by five organizations serving as curatorial partners: Boston Public Art Triennial, Emerson Contemporary, National Center of Afro-American Artists, North American Indian Center of Boston, and Pao Arts Center.
This open call ensures that this opportunity is available to all artists. With multiple curators, we hope to create opportunities for more perspectives to join the conversation. Commissioning local organizations also supports Boston’s creative ecosystem and allows for participation in this dialogue at multiple levels.
Open Call: Two Artist Opportunities
In this Call to Artists, we present two distinct opportunities for artists. First, we are looking for proposals from artists or artist-led teams for new temporary monuments, as well as “un-monuments” that are socially responsive and transform public places to reflect the city’s cultural vibrancy in dialogue with Boston’s collection of existing monuments during summer and fall of 2025. All temporary monuments must all be free and accessible to the public in Boston. Projects may be proposed in any City of Boston neighborhood. The second opportunity is to take a Projection Mapping Artist Workshop hosted by Emerson Contemporary.
→ Opportunity 1: Temporary Monuments
- Source of Funding: Public Art Revolving Fund, with the possibility of using other sources depending on the project.
- Award Amount per Grant: Grants will be awarded in 4 different budget tiers. Please see below for additional details:
- Tier One: $9,999 or less
- Budgets under $9,999 will fund artist fees and artwork fabrication, installation, maintenance, de-installation costs, and related programming for projects of smaller scale or shorter duration, such as new media projects, social practice projects, smaller murals, and brief interventions.
- Tier Two: $10,000-$30,000
- Budgets above $10,000 will fund artist fees and artwork fabrication, installation, maintenance, de-installation costs, and any related programming, for projects of medium scale or a mid-range duration, such as medium-sized murals and interventions.
- Tier Three: $30,000-$60,000
- Budgets above $30,000 will fund artist fees and artwork fabrication, installation, maintenance, de-installation costs, and any related programming for projects of medium to large scale or with a recurring series of programming. At this tier we encourage at least one community engagement partnership during the planning, development, or production stages. Examples of potential projects in tier three include medium to large-sized murals and interventions.
- Tier Four: $60,000-$100,000
- Budgets above $60,000 will fund artist fees and project costs of tier three as well as artworks that require larger scale and longer-term production, such as a large-scale sculpture installation, and/or a standing residency on site with events offered throughout the installation. This tier must also include regular maintenance plans and community engagement partnership during the planning, development, or production stages. This grant amount will be awarded to no more than two applicants total each year.
- Tier One: $9,999 or less
- Timeline & Important Dates:
- Year: 2025
- Source of Funding: Public Art Revolving Fund
- Budget Tiers: Grants will be awarded in 4 different budget tiers: Under $10,000, $1,000-$30,000, $30,000-$60,000, and $60,000-$100,000. Please see below for additional details.
- Call released: Wednesday November 13, 2024 12PM ET
- Virtual Question and Answer Sessions: Monday December 9, 2024 at 12PM ET and 6PM ET on Zoom.
- Written question deadline: Monday, December 9, 2024 at 11:59PM ET.
- You can email questions to unmonument@boston.gov with the subject “Un-monument: Call to Artists”.
- All Q&A’s will be posted on our website.
- Call closes: Monday January 13, 2025, 5PM ET
- Eligibility: The following criteria will be used to review all applications:
- Project proposals must be artist-led and freely accessible to the public.
- Projects must be sited in a City of Boston neighborhood.
- This opportunity is open to all artists, including individuals, for-profit businesses, and nonprofits.
- All applications must be submitted through Submittable by the deadline. No late submissions will be accepted.
- Project proposals must be artist-led and freely accessible to the public.
Apply
To apply for Opportunity 1: Temporary Monuments, please fill out this application. For full project background, please read more here.
For Opportunity 2: Projection Mapping Artist Workshop Apply here.
CALL TO ARTISTS
Un-monument | Re-monument | De-Monument: Transforming Boston
What is a monument? Who do we choose to memorialize? How can our public spaces reflect what is important to us?
We’re collaborating with artists, local cultural organizations, and community members to imagine ways of commemorating the people, places, and events that are important to our communities.
The Basics
For the second year of Un-monument, the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture, via the Boston Art Commission, is commissioning temporary monuments from groundbreaking artists.
Through partnerships with artists and celebrated cultural organizations, Un-monument is presented through a series of interconnected activations including public art, free public talks at The Embrace with the Hutchins Center, writing with the Boston Art Review, and hands-on workshops at Emerson Contemporary.
The Un-monument initiative includes six curatorial approaches to commissioning temporary monuments across the City. Some Un-monument temporary monuments will be selected through this open call to artists led by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture. Others are the result of direct commissions by five organizations serving as curatorial partners: Boston Public Art Triennial, Emerson Contemporary, National Center of Afro-American Artists, North American Indian Center of Boston, and Pao Arts Center.
This open call ensures that this opportunity is available to all artists. With multiple curators, we hope to create opportunities for more perspectives to join the conversation. Commissioning local organizations also supports Boston’s creative ecosystem and allows for participation in this dialogue at multiple levels.
Open Call: Two Artist Opportunities
In this Call to Artists, we present two distinct opportunities for artists. First, we are looking for proposals from artists or artist-led teams for new temporary monuments, as well as “un-monuments” that are socially responsive and transform public places to reflect the city’s cultural vibrancy in dialogue with Boston’s collection of existing monuments during summer and fall of 2025. All temporary monuments must all be free and accessible to the public in Boston. Projects may be proposed in any City of Boston neighborhood. The second opportunity is to take a Projection Mapping Artist Workshop hosted by Emerson Contemporary.
→ Opportunity 2: Projection Mapping Artist Workshop
As part of Un-monument, Emerson Contemporary is hosting a Projection Mapping workshop designed to support artists in gaining access to the skills and technology needed to either translate previous work or create new work by integrating projection with 2D works, sculpture, installation, performance, and public art practices. Participants should have a base knowledge of creating digital and/or moving-image works in the medium of their choice.
- Year: 2025
- Source of Funding: Mellon Foundation Grant, in partnership with Emerson Contemporary.
- Total Amount Available: $7,500 for 10 participants
- Award Amount per Grant: $750 (one time grant for participants)
- Timeline & Important Dates:
- Call released: Wednesday November 13, 2024 12PM ET
- Virtual Question and Answer Sessions: Monday December 9, 2024 at 12PM ET and 6 PM ET on Zoom.
- Written question deadline: Monday, December 9, 2024 at 11:59PM ET.
- You can email questions to unmonument@boston.gov with the subject “Un-monument: Call to Artists”.
- All Q&A’s will be posted on our website.
- Call closes: Monday January 13, 2025, 5PM ET
- Eligibility: This opportunity is open to all professional artists, including individuals, for-profit businesses and nonprofits.
Apply
To apply for Opportunity 2: Projection Mapping Artist Workshop, please fill out this application. For full project background, please read more here.
For Opportunity 1: Temporary Monuments Apply here.