Initiative looking for artist to create murals locally and across the city
Last week, Acting Mayor Kim Janey, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, Boston Parks Department and the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics, announced the “Joy Agenda” initiative.
According to Janey the Joy Agenda is a city-wide invitation and opportunity for local artists to take part in a Transformative Public Art Program that includes creating murals across Boston including murals in nearby Mozart and Malcolm X parks.
“After over a year of incredible hardships caused by COVID-19 and acts of violence against communities of color across the country, we’re looking at ways we can foster an equitable recovery that allows all residents of Boston to thrive,” said Janey. “We believe that by emphasizing the power of joy in healing and growth, we’ll be able to come back together as a stronger, more welcoming city.”
A key part of this work includes a focus on City-led initiatives that create job opportunities for creative workers across artistic disciplines throughout communities, organizations, and City departments. The Transformative Public Art Program, led by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, is one element of this initiative.
The first opportunity is for artists interested in creating murals and are flexible about location. Artists will be selected based on a written proposal, portfolio, and interests, and the City will match them with a site.
The second opportunity is for artists interested in creating murals that are associated with specific themes or communities identified by the City.
The last opportunity is for artist to work with Hyde Square Task Force and community members to create a mural for Boston’s Latin Quarter in nearby Mozart Park or working with the Boston Parks Department and community members to create a mural honoring the legacy of Malcolm X in Malcolm X Park,
For the local mural projects, interested artists will have an opportunity to apply for a grant between $25,000-$75,000.
The artist that receives the grant will then work with Hyde Square Task Force and community members to create a mural for Boston’s Latin Quarter in Mozart Park.
The deadline to apply for this opportunity is Wednesday, June 16 at 5 p.m. Artists can apply at https://cityofbostonartsandculture.submittable.com/submit/194885/transformative-public-art-the-joy-agenda.
“This past year, we saw so many artists bring together communities amid social isolation and provide collective opportunities for processing grief, healing, and joy,” said Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of BostonKara Elliott-Ortega. “This program will bring more arts opportunities to Boston, while also investing in artists and creative workers who need our support now more than ever.”