Public art motivates, affirms and has the capacity to move both people and communities to think differently about themselves and how they can work together to increase opportunities for all. That’s why I started Now and There.
Last month we helped bring possibility to Dudley Square in Roxbury. We worked with the international street artist and photographer JR (who’s pensive figure is on the side of what was the John Hancock building) and The UP Truck to present “Faces of Dudley”, 173 giant black and white portraits of Roxbury residents pasted on the outside of the Dudley Branch of the Boston Public Library. The response from the neighborhood residents and business owners was astounding as was the reaction when the project moved production to the Back Bay Station the following day. In total 645 portraits were taken!
"Faces of Dudley", Dudley (image: Ryan McMahon)
"Faces of Boston", Back Bay Station
““And that with all the mess and the crime and the drugs that’s going on, there are still good people who want to come together and see good things happen.””
A few weeks later we partnered with MassArt to bring Paul Ramírez Jonas to Boston for an inspiring talk (available on our Vimeo channel).
In our short 10-month history Now and There has had a meaningful impact of peoples’ lives and on their communities. Public art works. But for it, and for us, to keep working we really need your help meeting a critical fundraising goal.
A generous anonymous donor has agreed to double every dollar we raise between now and December 1—but only if we meet our goal of $50,000. We’re 87% there and I know we can achieve it together!
For a limited time, we're offering these classic wristlets as a reminder that the most powerful public art is made for and by the community. One side says I AM THE ART, and the other I AM THE PUBLIC. I hope you’ll consider giving a tax-deductible donation today either online or by mail and help us continue serving up public art that fosters conversations and enlivens our communities with joy and creativity. Every $25 donation will receive one wristlet. (And they look really great in a grouping of three!)
Wear your wristlets proudly and remember together we are the art, and we are the public.
xoxo
Kate
#IAMTHEART #IAMTHEPUBLIC.
PS - More colors and styles coming soon!