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.
"When doing community engagement work photos cannot capture everything, but they do try. [There are] microcosmic amazing moments that always go unseen and escape the camera. Many occurred during Faces of Dudley." More about one such moment in Cedric Douglas' essay from Faces of Dudley, now available on Blurb.
“I have a story to tell,” read one board. “I survived breast cancer,” declared another. “I am the whomp whoomp,” stated a third, somewhat mysteriously. All were in response to questions asked while people waited to have their portrait taken during Faces of Dudley. More about the inspiration behind this project in Kate Gilbert’s essay from Faces of Dudley, now available on Blurb.
Yesterday, we brought copies of Faces of Dudley to share with our friends at the Dudley Branch of the Boston Public Library. Copies are now available for sale on Blurb for $7.25 so everyone can remember that day when a neighborhood came together in pride.
On May 5 at Roxbury Community College we gathered with partners Big Red and Shiny and Artweek Boston for Beyond the Bust, a panel and discussion to identify the legacy of Boston's ubiquitous bronze memorials and begin to redefine the concept of public monument. Following are snippets of the conversation as recorded on social media.
There will always be people, places and events that citizens wish to commemorate. How do we ensure that the process for choosing whom and what to memorialize is equitable? Information on the upcoming “Beyond the Bust: Defining Our Public Monuments” on May 5, 6—8pm co-presenters Big Red & Shiny including panelist information.
Evaluating the impact of public art is the Achilles heel of artists and public art administrators worldwide. Instinctively we know that public art is a catalyst for economic development, that it increases the appeal and safety of one’s environment, and that it delivers unexpected surprise and wonder to our shared places. In this blog we offer three techniques for measuring impact and ask, is it even needed?
We're thrilled to announce two upcoming events with terrific partners A Blade of Grass, Massachusetts College of Art and Design and Big Red & Shiny. Please join us at both events and let's continue the great conversation we're having online, in person.
