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OVERVIEW  The City of Boston Office of Emergency Management is accepting submissions for the 1st Art for a Change Climate Showcase at the Boston City Hall Galleries, a celebration of the vibrant Boston visual arts community. Middle School Students who live in the Greater Boston area are encouraged to apply through their art and STEM educators. Hosted by the Office of Emergency Management, the Art for a Change Climate Showcase will feature a range of artworks by young emerging artists. Inspired by the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP), administered by Federal Emergency Management Agency, RCPGP is a competitive annual federal grant program designed to strengthen regional planning and coordination for large-scale disasters, with recent funding cycles prioritizing community resilience, extreme weather preparedness, long-term vulnerability reduction, and housing recovery capacity tied to climate-related risks. The Boston Office of Emergency Management (OEM) serves as the City’s lead agency for emergency preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery. This grant cycle has become a priority of Boston OEM to integrate climate risks specific to Boston, such as coastal flooding, extreme heat, and severe storms, into planning while strengthening Boston’s capacity to prepare for and recover from climate-driven events. This exhibition is possible thanks to the generosity of the RCPGP grant and our partners across the city.

To access Art Brief workbook, Click Here. 

Selected artists will be part of an exhibition that will be on display at the Boston City Hall Galleries from May 26th, 2026 to August 14th, 2026.

DEADLINE: May 11th, 2026 at 5:00 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. The mission of City Hall Galleries 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.  The Boston Office of Emergency Management and Boston Arts Commission 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 in the Greater Boston area (Suffolk County)
• Are 12-15 years old or currently enrolled in Middle school
• All are welcome to submit - those with demonstrated artistic potential and an interest in preparedness and sustainability are encouraged. This might include but is not limited to:                                        
  • Students who are passionate about the arts
  • Current or recent students of the BPS STEM Academy, STEMFest or STEM EcoSystems
  • Students involved in BSAC Climate Curriculum, Youth Climate Action Network or Youth Climate Corps
  • Students who have interests in sustainability or preparedness initiatives for their school or community
  • Students who have interests in community arts, public art, or arts advocacy 

    EXHIBITION DETAILS  

• Artists may submit 1 artwork for consideration. Artists must also submit an artist statement and media release to be considered. 
• All media are welcome, subject to installation requirements and space limitations. 
• Artists selected for the exhibition will be notified by May 5th, 2026.
• Selected artists will be part of an exhibition that will be on display at the Boston City Hall Galleries from May 26th, 2026 to August 14th, 2026.

ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS

• 2D artworks must be ready to hang (with hanging wire) and be no longer than 8 x 10 in. (including frame).
• All artwork submitted must have been created within the last year.

Artist Statement: An artist statement helps others understand your ideas, message, and creative choices.Your artist statement is important because it helps communicate your thinking and is part of how your work is evaluated. It connects directly to the rubric by showing your understanding of climate science, your ability to explain solutions and connections, your creative message, and your personal reflection.

Include:

• A statement on what your artwork shows and the climate topic you’ve covered
• One climate fact, cause, or impact
• How people are affected
• One solution or idea for a more sustainable future
• Your message, feelings, or perspective on the lessons and how you've reacted to them 

COMMITMENTS

• Selected artists are responsible for transporting their artwork to and from the gallery. Artists must be available to drop off their work between May 11th - 18th, 2026 and pick up their work between August 17th-21st, 2026.
• All participating artists must sign a waiver, available in the submission form. The City of Boston, Boston Office of Emergency Management 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. 

SELECTION PROCESS  Proposals will be reviewed and selected by OEM and a panel of regional climate experts. Decisions will be notified by May 12th. 

ABOUT RCPGP  Inspired by the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP), administered by Federal Emergency Management Agency, RCPGP is a competitive annual federal grant program designed to strengthen regional planning and coordination for large-scale disasters, with recent funding cycles prioritizing community resilience, extreme weather preparedness, long-term vulnerability reduction, and housing recovery capacity tied to climate-related risks.