The Accelerator Cohort Six is about to start
With an open call for four Greater Boston-based artists, Cohort Six of the Accelerator will run from September 2023 through January 2024, building from successes and lessons learned from the previous five cohorts. We are eager to expand our support of local BIPOC, and LGBTQIA artists in the N+T Public Art Accelerator and strongly encourage artists who are hungry to center the experiences and representations of those historically suppressed from public art production and consumption. Applications are due Monday, July 31.
The Public Art Accelerator exists to support early-to-mid-career Greater Boston-based artists who demonstrate need and interest in creating object-based works in Boston’s neighborhoods with the skills (e.g., budgeting, project management) and sensibilities (e.g., consensus-building, empathy, ability to communicate a vision and involve others clearly) to succeed in the dynamic field of public art. Cohort-model workshops support the development of these skills. Four artists will be selected to participate in approximately 14 workshops led by N+T’s Executive Director, Director of Partnerships & Engagement, and Curatorial Assistant, alongside racially diverse workshop instructors selected for their range of experience and expertise.
The Public Art Accelerator Cohort Six is a two-phased program:
A cohort learning environment (September 2023 - January 2024): this is a fast-paced, five-month learning period including fourteen workshops; artists are awarded a $1,250 stipend for participating.
An implementation period (January - October 2024): all four artists will have the option to pitch a neighborhood-centric project for $25,000 in funding and develop it over 8-months with N+T support. Projects and programs must be completed by October 31, 2024.
Application timeline
Applications are due by Monday, July 31 at 11:59 pm EST.
All applications will be reviewed by N+T and a panel of jurors between July 31 and August 15, 2023.
Six artists will be selected as finalists and interviewed (in person) on the dates of August 24 & 25, 2023
Four artists will be selected by early September to be part of Cohort Six
Cohort Six begins by end of September 2023
Optional Zoom drop-in sessions are open to all who might have questions about the Accelerator or the application process. Register at the links below.
SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA
The Accelerator supports artists who demonstrate:
Openness and ability to engage audiences with empathy. Does the artist demonstrate they are an empathetic participant in dialogue or engagement? Do they use their practice or work to turn closed minds and spaces into open ones, creating more opportunities for more people?
Ability to scale work to the public domain. Does the artist demonstrate the ability to make a significant artwork that could last outside?
Benefit to artist’s practice: Does the artist demonstrate that the potential support and funding of the Accelerator is critical to expanding their practice at this moment and unlocking future opportunities? Changing the face of public art is critical to Now + There’s mission and the Accelerator seeks to support BIPOC and LGBTQIA artists who have been historically marginalized or prohibited from contributing their voice, ideas, and concepts to the public art landscape.
Ability to thoughtfully consider and respond to site and context. Does the artist create works in response to existing conditions, history, or the current context of a site?
Artistic merit and overall quality of their artwork via the images submitted. Does the work match the attributes of N+T (bold, open, sharp)?
Ingenuity. Is the work (or artist) unique in its (or their) approach to making art, new forms of expression, or public engagement? Does the artist or their work represent values not seen enough in Boston's art world?
That they are a resident of Greater Boston, within the I-495 beltway.
We have found artists with the following attributes thrive in the Public Art Accelerator:
Eager to bring their work to new audiences: They enjoy having conversations with people of all backgrounds and races about their work while being aware of their own biases. They are genuinely interested in sharing experiences through art.
An active listener: they listen carefully and are a clear communicator with an appreciation for others’ perspectives.
Tenacious: They don't give up, even when everything is tough. They see challenges as part of the process and stay focused on the end goal.
Curious: They are always learning, and when learning from others, appreciative of their skills and expertise.
Open To All
Now + There values new perspectives and opinions, and a thoughtful approach to our work of building an open public art city. We acknowledge the unjust power dynamics inherent in contemporary art exhibitions and in the creation of works displayed in the public realm. We are committed to building more equitable ways of public-making by creating greater involvement by communities of color, Black, and Indigenous Peoples in the creation of public artworks; ultimately co-creating inclusive public audiences and building toward more openness in Boston. We respect and hold room for differences across race, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and physical abilities. We are committed to racially diversifying our staff, board, and programs, and strongly encourage Black, Brown, Indigenous, and artists of color to apply for the Public Art Accelerator.
This program is generously funded by individuals who believe in the power of art + community, including Joyce Linde, James and Audrey Foster, the National Endowment for the Arts, and donors from across Greater Boston.
We look forward to receiving your application!
