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.
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.
Looking back and ahead, a New Year's greeting from Director Kate Gilbert. In a decade from now when Greater Boston is a must-see destination for public art enthusiasts I believe we’ll look back at 2015 as a pivotal year. 2015: the year public art became an integral part of the re/development of engaging public spaces, the year when artwork selection processes shifted from juried to curated, and the year we learned to balance spectacle and civic engagement.
Guest blog post by MBTA public art finalist Elisa Hamilton on the importance of public art in her childhood and it's influence on her career as an artist.
"Did you know that the glass tile wall of that bus tunnel used to light up? I have childhood memories of waiting near that wall all aglow in blue and red, as if it was magically lit from within. Those colors are still vivid in my memory; maybe you’ve also felt that brilliance. I believe that the people in our communities deserve to have that light alive in our public spaces, and I believe that - with enough support - we can keep the light of public art shining in Massachusetts, so that we can all be illuminated in its glow."
Now and There is pleased to co-host a talk by Paul Ramírez Jonas on Wednesday, October 28, 6:30pm at Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
Jonas’ work deftly subverts the unwritten rules of public vs. private and the relationship between object and audience by...
