Jackie McLaughlin (c) Sylvia Stagg-Giuliano
Jackie's journey to the world of public art is as unique as it is fascinating. She's not your typical communications pro, and her career has been nothing short of an adventure. From navigating the intricate web of municipal government communications in the City of Revere to steering the ship of local political campaigns, and even taking charge of social media for a vibrant global book club, Jackie has been a great addition to the N+T Team! A life-long creative, Jackie brings a set of practical skills to the table, including proficiency in design software, digital tools, and various social media platforms.
In our upcoming interview with Jackie, we'll dive deep into her insights, experiences, and her unique perspective on the dynamic field of communications and advocacy. Get ready to gain a deeper understanding of Jackie’s varied experiences and her pragmatic approach to the field!
Q: What were some of your early experiences with public art?
JM: Growing up in Medford, Massachusetts, I spent a lot of time going into the city to explore with my family. Some of my favorite public artworks growing up in Greater Boston include the Mural façade on the Museum of Modern Renaissance in Somerville by Nicholas Shaplyko and Ekaterina Sorokina, the “Greenway Carousel Critters” by Jeff Briggs, and the “Gift of the Wind” by Susumu Shingu in Porter Square, Cambridge.
During my time in Revere, I had the privilege of (loosely) assisting in the planning of the Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival. Watching talented sculptors from around the world create remarkable sculptures in just a few days was truly inspiring. What made this festival special was its ability to bring the community together, even if only for a weekend, to celebrate their hometown and shared stories. It also put Revere on the global map, showcasing its unique identity and spirit. This highlights the power of public art to unite people in ways that other forms of art often can't.
Q: Your work in Revere is a lot different than the work you’re doing now at Now + There. Can you tell us why you gravitated towards a job in public art?
JM: I spent my childhood deeply involved in community theater programs at Arlington Children’s Theater and Tufts Magic Circle. These experiences were formative for me in shaping who I am today. As I transitioned out of my role in public service, I naturally gravitated toward arts-centered organizations making a difference in Boston.
Jackie (second to right) with Mayor’s Office team after Mayor Arrigo’s State of the City in 2023
One of the most memorable moments during my tenure in the Mayor's Office was witnessing Revere High School's return to musical theater with "In The Heights, Jr." After a hiatus of more than 30 years due to lack of arts funding, the school decided to bring the theater program back. In a school with a 70% Hispanic and Latinx student body, many of these students saw themselves in these roles and auditioned despite having limited theater experience. When they went on that stage, they shined. Even Lin Manuel Miranda sent them a video before to wish them luck and speak on the power of communities! Having the chance to work with Now + There, an organization that actively invests in community-building art experiences throughout Boston, was a career move that made perfect sense to me. It's not just a job; public art feels like the right path forward in my career.
Q: What does public art mean to you?
JM: One of my earliest experiences with public art was seeing the “Whaling Wall II” by Ron Deziel on I-93. I spent so much time on that highway as a kid in traffic (as many of us still do), and I remember getting so excited to see the “fishies.” It transformed an otherwise mundane and frustrating aspect of life—traffic—into a source of joy and fascination. To me, this exemplifies the essence of public art; it has the power to elevate and enrich everyday experiences, whether it's our daily commutes, the monotony of traffic, or even a casual stroll to grab lunch. Ultimately, public art should make the ordinary moments in life just a little more enjoyable.
Q: What has surprised you most about working at Now + There?
JM: It sure is a lot different! I’ve been surprised a lot since I started working here, but what has surprised me the most is the difference between planning and time management for public art projects versus city government. You never knew what you were walking into every day at City Hall, and that was one of the thrills of it. But a lot of the time, current events make these big plans shift rather quickly. A pandemic, or even something as simple as a snowstorm would derail all your attention and focus. This made it almost impossible to plan ahead! But here at Now + There, our projects take years of planning in some cases and attention to detail is the key to success. It has been an adjustment, but a welcome one!
Q: What did you learn about communication during your time in Revere?
JM: I began working in Revere just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the US. During my time there, effective communication became crucial. In Revere, which was severely impacted, public health communications took center stage.
Jackie posing outside of Revere City Hall with “Let’s Do This, Revere” Vaccination Meter
Accessibility was a top priority. The residents needed to know how to stay safe during the pandemic, and this made translation and interpretation services more essential than ever. I was fortunate to collaborate with a dedicated team in Revere who understood this importance. Together, we delivered public health updates in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic through RevereTV.
Our efforts extended beyond Revere's borders as neighboring cities looked to us for information. The trustworthiness of information increased when shared by trusted community members. In my four years at City Hall, I learned that ensuring information access, building trust, and removing communication barriers are fundamental for successful public communication.