The Relocation Funding Eligibility Application is for creatives displaced from 119 Braintree Street. This process is led by the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture (MOAC). The Relocation Funding Eligibility Application is a first step toward identifying:
- the number of applicants that qualify to receive relocation funding
- the estimated amount of funds that will be distributed to eligible applicants.
This application will be live from Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:59 PM - Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 11:59 PM. The application review process will take place from Sunday, June 2, 2024 through Friday, July 5, 2024. Applicants can expect to be notified on or shortly after Friday, July 5, 2024.
Note: Funds can only be distributed to qualified applicants.
If you have any questions, please reach out to MOAC Staff at arts@boston.gov
BACKGROUND
The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture’s (MOAC) believes artists have a crucial role in creating a thriving, healthy community for all and that everyone should have access to creative expression through lifelong arts programming in every Boston neighborhood.
In alignment with this belief, the Opportunity Fund was established in 2016 to provide grants for working artists, creative workers, and cultural practitioners of all artistic backgrounds and disciplines (subsequently referred to as “creative workers” throughout these guidelines) living in the city of Boston to increase their impact within their communities.
This year, the Opportunity Fund is available as grants of $3,000 aimed to increase creative workers’ community impact within the city of Boston by:
- Uplifting artists’ publicly accessible creative projects,
- Furthering access to artists’ trainings that will increase their community impact
- Bolstering artists' civic engagement and leadership
Recipients of the Opportunity Fund will be selected through a weighted lottery process, with priority given to performing artists; individuals from low income backgrounds and/or individuals who are currently experiencing financial insecurity; and creative workers who live in the following neighborhoods: Chinatown, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Mission Hill, and Roxbury.
Please read through the full grant description prior to applying.
THE BASICS
Contact: For questions regarding the Opportunity Fund grant please email artsgrants@boston.gov and use the subject line, “Opportunity Fund Grant Questions.”
Funding Source: Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture Operating Funds
Total Funds Available: $300,000
Size of grants: $3,000
Number of grants awarded: 100
Important Dates: The application deadline for FY24 is June 9, 2024 by 11:59 pm. Grants will be awarded and disbursed in July 2024.
FUNDING ELIGIBILITY AND PRIORITIES
Below this list are detailed explanations of the eligibility and priorities criteria.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants should meet all of the following criteria to be eligible.
- You are 18+
- You are an active working individual artist, creative worker, or cultural practitioner
- 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
- You have not received the Neighborhood and Downtown Activation Grant
What are the 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.
- Creative workers with an individual annual income under 80% of the median household income in Boston ($83,120)
- Creative workers with an individual annual income under 30% of the median household income in Boston ($31,170)
- Performing artists
- Applicants who have not received a grant from the Opportunity Fund in the past
- Residents in neighborhoods who live in the following neighborhoods: Chinatown, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Mission Hill, and Roxbury.
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.
GLOSSARY AND FAQ
What is the definition of a creative worker in this context?
According to Springboard for the Arts, “An artist is anyone who thinks creatively about the world and their dynamic place in it. Our definition of artist is broad and includes visual artists, performers, writers, music creators, culture bearers, makers, artisans, storytellers, social conveners, idea purveyors, imaginaries, visionaries, students, teachers, organizers and nurturers. Artists are a powerful natural resource and they exist in every place and community.”
What is the definition of an “active creative worker” in this context?
Active creative workers are individuals who are currently engaged in creative work intended to function as a profession instead of as a hobby. Active creative workers may earn income by selling their creative work, receive funding to support the development of their creative work (such as grants, awards, fellowships, and residencies), or work in non-creative industries to fund their professional creative work, with the intention of focusing their careers on their creative work. While students may be considered active creative workers, the Opportunity Fund does not invest in full-time students at this time.
What does it mean to reside in the city of Boston?
Eligible applicants must reside in the city of Boston for at least one year at the time of application. To live in the city of Boston you must live in one of the neighborhoods mentioned on this City of Boston website.
Who is prioritized and why?
The Opportunity Fund will prioritize individuals who may have not had fair access to artists grant programs, including creative workers who are:
- Performing artists
- Applicants who have not received a grant from the Opportunity Fund in the past
- From low income backgrounds and/or individuals who are currently experiencing financial insecurity
- Creative workers who live in neighborhoods listed above
Applicants who self-identify into priority categories will receive additional entries into the lottery.
Why does the Opportunity Fund prioritize performing artists?
All artistic disciplines are eligible for the Opportunity Fund. In our most recent round of the Opportunity Fund, a third of applicants identified their artistic discipline as music. More broadly, the performing arts sector locally, and globally, was hit particularly hard by COVID-19. This industry has continued to face barriers toward recovering from COVID-19 because of the way the pandemic changed audience engagement, and the increased closure of performing arts spaces. For these reasons, the Opportunity Fund continues to prioritize investing in artists in the performing arts.
How does MOAC define financial insecurity?
The City of Boston has defined low income as households making less than 80% of the area median income and extremely low income as households making less than 30% of area median income. By these standards, nearly two thirds of the Opportunity Fund’s most recent applicants could be defined as extremely low income, while living in a city with a higher cost of living than the broader metropolitan area.
Why does the Opportunity Fund prioritize artists living in certain neighborhoods?
The Opportunity Fund welcomes applications from creative workers who live in all neighborhoods of Boston. The Opportunity Fund prioritizes applications from creative workers who reside in communities impacted by long-standing inequities, including Chinatown, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Mission Hill, and Roxbury. Data on the impact of risks posed by climate change and COVID-19 are used to determine these communities. Click here to explore data we use to determine these communities.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND TIMELINE
The application is available on Submittable here. The application will open on May 13, 2024, and the deadline is June 9, 2024 by 11:59 pm. The application should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application no later than July 10, 2024.
A condensed application process is as follows:
- Submit application via Submittable
- Review of applications to ensure applicants meet eligibility criteria
- Weight each application: 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
- Awardees will be chosen using Random Picker
- Applicants will be notified on the status of their application no later than July 10, 2024
- Funding will be disbursed to awardees between late June and early July 2024
Grant Requirements
- To receive funding, grantees must register with the City of Boston as vendors with the address used for this application
- 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 through Submittable. If you would like to review application questions before applying, you can review them here. For a document version of the guidelines, you can see here.
Accessibility and Accommodations
People who seek technical support and accommodations in the application process can reach out via email at artsgrants@boston.gov and use the subject line “Opportunity Fund Grant Questions” or call our primary contact at (617) 635-4445. If you cannot reach someone through our primary contact number, you can reach out to (617) 910-0048. This includes, but is not limited to: People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, or have difficulty speaking and/or reading. Large print and translated materials are available upon request.
English: Interpretation and translation services are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please contact us at arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov or 617-635-4445, by: 5/24/2024
Spanish - Español: Hay servicios de interpretación y traducción a su disposición sin costo alguno. Si los necesita, póngase en contacto con nosotros mandando un correo electrónico arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov o llamando a 617-635-4445, hasta esta fecha: 24/5/2024
Haitian Creole -Kreyòl ayisyen: Sèvis entèpretation ak tradiksyon disponib pou ou san sa pa koute w anyen. Si w bezwen yo, tanpri kontakte nou nan arts@boston.gov LCA@boston.gov oswa 617-635-4445, ant: 24/5/2024
Traditional Chinese - 繁體中文: 我們可以向您提供口頭翻譯和書面翻譯服務，並不向您收取費用。如您需要，請在 5 月 24 日 前與我們連絡，發電子郵件至 arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov 或致電 617-635-4445。
Vietnamese - Tiếng Việt: Các dịch vụ thông dịch và biên dịch được cung cấp cho quý vị hoàn toàn miễn phí. Nếu quý vị cần những dịch vụ này, vui lòng liên lạc với chúng tôi theo địa chỉ arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov hoặc số điện thoại 617-635-4445. ngày cuối: 24/5/2024
Simplified Chinese - 简体中文: 我们可以向您提供口头翻译和书面翻译服务，并不向您收取费用。如您需要，请在 5 月 24 日 前与我们联系, 发电子邮件至 arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov 或致电 617-635-4445。
Cabo Verdean Creole - kriolu: Nu ta oferese-bu sirvisus di interpretason y traduson di grasa. Si bu meste kes sirvisu la, kontata-nu pa email arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov ó pa telefóni, pa númeru 617-635-4445. Na es data: 24/5/2024
Arabic - العربية
خدمات الترجمة الشفوية والترجمة التحريرية متوفرة لك دون تحملك أي تكلفة. إذا احتجت لهذه الخدمات، يرجى التواصل معنا على العنوانarts@boston.gov, أو LCA@boston.gov، أو رقم الهاتف 617-635-4445، بحلول يوم 2024/24/5
Russian -Русский: Услуги устного и письменного перевода предоставляются бесплатно. Если Вам они нужны, просьба связаться с нами по адресу электронной почты arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov либо по телефону 617-635-4445. до 24/5/2024
Portuguese - Português: Você tem à disposição serviços gratuitos de interpretação e tradução. Se precisar deles, fale conosco: arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov ou 617-635-4445. Até esta data 24/5/2024
French - Français: Les services d’interprétation et de traduction sont à votre disposition gratuitement. Si vous en avez besoin, veuillez nous contacter à arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov ou au 617-635-4445, d'ici au: 24/5 /2024
Somali - Af Soomaali: Adeegyada tarjumaadda iyo fasiraada luuqadaha ayaa diyaar kuu ah adiga oo aan wax kharash ah ka bixin. Haddii aad u baahatid iyaga, fadlan nagala soo xiriir arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov ama 617-635-4445, markay taariikhdu tahay: 24/5/2024
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.
Resources
- Guide to Artist-driven Projects
- Guide to Community-driven Projects
- Public Meetings and the Boston Art Commission (BAC)
- Public Art Policies & Processes
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.
Boston City Hall
Call to Artists, Art Organizations & Artist Collectives
Overview
The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture (MOAC), in partnership with the City of Boston, is seeking artists and arts organizations that live and/or create in and around Boston to exhibit in one of our several galleries in Boston City Hall: The Mayor’s Neighborhood Gallery, The Scollay Square Gallery, The Mayor’s Gallery, and The Emerging Gallery. We seek work that supports the mission of the City Hall galleries to achieve a sense of welcoming and inspire a sense of belonging within Boston City Hall through exhibitions and programming. Your submission will be kept on file for future consideration.
When submitting, please keep in consideration which gallery/galleries will the exhibit best fit in.
- The Mayor’s Neighborhood Gallery - Highlights civic groups, non-profit groups and individual artists with civic improvement as a motivating factor.
- The Scollay Square Gallery - Showcases the many art organizations and artist community groups that support Boston artists throughout the city.
- The Mayor’s Gallery - Exhibits work by Boston artists who have received recognition for their artwork through grants, awards and other types of public display. *We also have a Display Case for small sculptural works.
- The Emerging Gallery - Exhibits work by artists who are now starting out in their career and looking for space to showcase their work.
Selection process
This is an ongoing open call, without a deadline. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Due to the volume of applications, we will only reach out to applicants that are selected to exhibit their work in City Hall. The timing of exhibitions will be specific to the needs and schedule of galleries. All submissions will be kept on file for future consideration.
Accessibility and Accommodations
If you need accommodations or assistance with your application, please contact Jamaal at jamaal.eversley@boston.gov or leave a message with Sam Fiddler at 617-910-0048 and someone will be in touch with you.
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.