Join Us: Open Call for Boston AiR Consultants

Term: January 2026 - May 2026 

Background

The City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture (MOAC) warmly invites artists and community members to collaborate with us as consultants on the Boston Artist-in-Residence (AiR) Strategic Planning Process. We are looking for four to five passionate individuals who want to help shape the future of arts and civic practice in Boston. 

Starting Friday, November 14, 2025, we welcome your application for the Boston AiR Consultant position. If selected, you’ll join our consulting team and work alongside us from late January 2026 to May 30, 2026 to reimagine a model for the Boston AiR program. 

Since 2015, the Boston AiR program has placed local artists in the City government, bringing together artists and City employees committed to community and social justice. Artists co-designed new approaches with City partners to test and implement changes to City policies, often in response to that year's social and political climate.

We’re looking for artists to serve as consultants who have a deep connection to Boston’s creative scene—whether you live in the city or nearby. You’ll have opportunities to share your ideas in planning meetings, collaborate in group discussions, review and shape program structure, and contribute your voice to outreach and community engagement efforts. We value artists and creative professionals of all backgrounds—teaching artists, producers, administrators, freelancers, critics, designers, students, and more. Our goal is to build a consultant team that reflects Boston’s vibrant diversity in age, culture, and experience, from emerging voices to established leaders. Up to five AiR consultants will be invited to join us. The Artist Program Manager and a team of reviewers will thoughtfully consider every application, focusing on your experiences and insights.

Eligibility 

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be familiar with living and working in the City of Boston.
• Have the ability to arrange transportation to in-person meetings weekly if requested in the City of Boston. 
• Applicants must be 18 years or older.
• Be enthusiastic about fulfilling duties and working with the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture in this consulting role. 
• Applicants must be able to attend meetings and events, both in person and virtually. 
• Applicants should be familiar with, or motivated by, systems change work within the city government and be confident in applying a critical and creative lens to program design and cultural organizing.
• The committee welcomes candidates regardless of race, gender, belief, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical ability. 
• Former AiR awardees may apply.

Primary Responsibilities

Selected applicants must commit to fulfilling the following responsibilities:

• Attending Biweekly meetings.
• Completing projects assigned by the AiR Program Manager as they relate to program deliverables.
• Attending and hosting Community Arts Salons.
• Serve on a panel to select FY 26 - 27 artists-in-residence.
• Attend meetings with city partners, guest presenters, and community members to discuss AiR programming.
• Attend potential supported travel opportunities.

Timeline 

• Application Opens: Friday, November 14, 2025
• Open Call for AiR Consultants [Virtual Info Session]: November 24, 2025, 5 pm - 6:30 pm https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_in_UdQzKQrSRqLoeQwESlQ
• Application Closes: Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 11:59 pm
• Review Process: Late December 2025 - late January 2026
• Interviews: In early January, selected candidates may be invited to an interview with the AiR Program Manager and staff from the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture.
• Notification: All applicants, regardless of status, will be notified of their application status by the end of January 2026.

Compensation 

AiR Consultants will receive a $8,000 fee, paid in four installments. A formal scope will be shared with finalists. Consultants will work approximately 20 hours per month, throughout their contracted term. 

Additional Information

• Travel: The position may require minor local travel and may offer opportunities to travel out of state. 

Application Guidelines

To apply, please submit via Submittable.

The application includes the following:

• Resume
• Creative or Consulting Work Samples
• Cover Letter articulating your interest in the consulting position

Submissions—digital—must be received by Wednesday, December 17, 2025, by 11:59 pm.

To submit to Frequently Asked Questions, or if you need accommodations or assistance with your application, please contact Deen Rawlins-Harris in the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture at deen.rawlinsharris@boston.gov.