Evolving with you

You have questions, we have answers, and there will be more answers to come. For now, here’s what we know.

  • Where will it be? The first edition of the Boston Public Art Triennial will be primarily in the city of Boston, with the possibility of a Cambridge location. The Triennial will use a hub and spoke model with projects in a centralized downtown location and radiating along transit lines to other projects and related programming in Boston’s neighborhoods.

  • When will it occur? By definition, a Triennial occurs every three years. The first edition is scheduled for May through October 2025; following that, 2028 and beyond.

  • How many artworks will there be? Now + There is committed to creating 15 new anchor commissions and including hundreds of related events, programs, and interior exhibits put on by our partners, connected by a unifying theme.

  • Are all the works considered “public art”? Yes, all 15 will be defined as public art — available for view 24/7, free of charge, in accessible locations.

  • What other cities have Public Art Triennials? Very few. Cities across the globe are hosting Triennials and Biennials as a way to democratize contemporary art access. Only Desert X (Coachella Valley, CA) and Counterpublic (St. Louis, MO) are truly exterior, public art Triennials. N+T is a member of the newly-formed ‘Ennials Alliance offers a supportive space to exchange resources, best practices, and ideas for ‘ennial organizations focusing on contemporary visual art and culture.

  • How are you deciding where to put installations? Similar to how we currently place N+T projects, location selection carefully considers multiple factors. We are looking for nearby amenities, existing assets, and transit accessibility. We're curious how the site feels and could be augmented by an artist, its unique site history and context, features, and atmosphere. We're assessing how a city-wide festival can contribute to the location, making sure artwork in the location is additive, not extractive, and advances stated community goals. Suggest a location here.

  • How are you deciding on artists and artworks? A team of international, national, and local curators and artists will be at the heart of the Triennial, determining its theme, commissioning excellent works of art, and ensuring that works reflect a commitment to equity and inclusivity.

  • How can I get my artwork seen? At this time, we are not reviewing portfolios.

  • How can I recommend a location for artwork? Visit our survey here and let us know where you want to see public art.

  • How do I get involved? We’re so glad you asked! More opportunities will arise as the Triennial progresses. Please join our mailing list or register to become a volunteer here, and support Boston’s first Public Art Triennial with a gift today.

If you have a question not answered here, please drop us a line at info@nowandthere.org.

Image: A ladder sits next to a river and in front of an in-process mural, Patterned Behavior, 2018, by Silvia Lopez Chavez in partnership with the Esplanade Association. Photo (c) Dominic Chavez.