As the epicenter of the City of Boston, City Hall Plaza is a place where residents, visitors, and newcomers can participate in arts and cultural events. In response to the ongoing impacts of space inequity and the loss of cultural venues across Boston, the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture (MOAC) will provide grants to support programs and events at City Hall Plaza. Through the City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant, MOAC aims to highlight culturally responsive programming that uplifts Boston's diverse communities while repositioning City Hall Plaza as a site for creative growth, capacity-building, and civic belonging.    

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 we are committed to funding programs that make space for historically underrepresented communities.

● 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 & Responsiveness: All proposed programs should directly engage with present-day social, cultural, or civic issues that will contribute to the strengthening of Boston’s communities.  

● 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. 

● 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. 

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Be sure to read the grant guidelines and review the frequently asked questions before you apply! 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.