As part of our commitment to fostering a more vibrant city through bold public art, we strive to build culturally responsive relationships through our partnerships and participatory programs. This year at Lot Lab is no different; we are connecting with the community of Charlestown and beyond through dynamic programming of performance, spoken word, theater, workshops, and much more.
Fresh off the incredible feat of bringing Simone Leigh’s spectacular artworks from Boston to Venice and then to Boston, Kate Herlihy brings to Now + There balanced respect for artists’ vision with planning rigor. blu prinston, N+T Communications Assistant, chatted with Kate about how early access to arts education, mentorship, and teamwork make her ready to “pay it forward” as N+T’s Managing Director.
As a veteran of two Chicago Architectural Biennales, Marguerite Wynter brings FOMO-inducing stories of events we all missed out on—did we hear joy riding through the South Side?—and a deep commitment to engaging community in the co-creation of public art. Learn more about Marguerite and drop her a line to welcome her to a new event, space, or idea!
Now that we’re getting ready to launch Lot Lab in the Charlestown Navy Yard on June 7, I’ve been reflecting a lot on my Now + There journey, which began with me becoming a Public Art Ambassador two summers ago. If you’re considering becoming a Public Art Ambassador for Lot Lab, I hope my reflections about my time as a PAA can help to guide you!
Talking to artists and community members--listening and learning from them--brings life to all our projects. This year of Mending looks at stories of innovation, global connection, individual perseverance, and tenacity, weaving together the impossible and offering opportunities to amplify what is most delicate (collective joy), transient (dreams), or everlasting (love) in our interconnected world.
From our Catalyst Circle to Leadership Circle to 24/7 Circle, to the meaningful contributions of friends and neighbors, we are all helping to infuse more enjoyment in Boston. This month we are celebrating two major donors who have made significant investments in N+T: Barr Foundation and Wagner Foundation.
Last week, the City of Boston demonstrated its commitment to arts, culture, and the value it places in creating a vibrant and equitable city. Now + There was one of 192 arts and cultural organizations awarded an unrestricted grant from the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, as part of the Boston Cultural Council/Reopen Creative Boston funding.
When funders demonstrate their confidence in our work and the city places the arts as a core pillar of the city’s economy, we can’t help but feel hopeful that public art will remain a part of Boston’s identity in the years to come. Read on to share in our gratitude for the unwavering support of a handful of generous and dedicated funders who have remained steadfast during the COVID-19 crisis.
N+T is thrilled to be one of 29 organizations selected to receive a 2-year grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council as part of its Cultural Investment Portfolio (CIP) Gateway program.
Site-specific public art is the lens through which we experience common spaces and grow as a community. In 2017, Chicago is celebrating a Year of Public Art by funding permanent and temporary works, performances, education, and gatherings to promote civic discourse through art. Here's how we think Boston can—must!—have a Year of Public Art.
