Creating a city-wide exchange

The reason why only three cities in North America have ever put on a Public Art Triennial is because it’s hard, it’s complicated, and it takes an entire city pulling together to make it happen. The key to making the Boston Public Art Triennial a reality is each of us, and you. We need your ideas, your suggestions for where you want to see artworks, your willingness to help, and, as always, whatever donations you can spare.

We are currently building a Community Advisory Group and seeking Community Captains, a paid position, who live or work in the following areas of Boston: East Boston, Fenway, Fields Corners, Grove Hall, Mattapan, and Roxbury. Nominate someone or yourself for both positions and be part of shaping a program that aligns artistic excellence with community needs.

The foundation of all N+T programming, as well as the comprehensive preparation for the 2025 Triennial is grounded in a commitment to community partnership and engagement. Our engagement strategy is encompassed by the acronym R.E.A.C.H. to Respond, Energize, Activate, Collaborate, and Honor each public space and its people. For success metrics, we will look to social capital indicators, including community networks, reciprocity, belonging, citizen power, participation, diversity, safety, and values-led activation.

We seek to partner with organizations aligned with our artistic values and commitment to engagement. We will also consider additional criteria, such as their relationship within the community, their track record for operational excellence, and their partnership experience.

While the type of partnership will vary, we will build collaborative goal setting and ideation; share empathy in a values alignment exercise; create mutual understanding and ability by identifying assets and key contributors; and reinforce our discussions by drafting and signing an agreement that reflects every part of our process. We’d love to hear from you!

Be part of a first for Boston with a charitable donation and stay in the know with N+T’s monthly email.

Image: Intergeneration women with dark skin in a doorway wave to the Augment Joy Parade, 2019, by Nick Cave in partnership with DS4SI, Upham's Corner Main Street, Upham's Corner Health Center, Company One, and BAMS Fest. Photo (c) Faith Ninivaggi.