Cultural Placemaking in Roxbury

This project centers on the corridor of Roxbury between Massachusetts Ave. and Columbus Ave. and Grove Hall. The corridor has many diverse local businesses. It also has empty lots, low foot traffic, and a decreasing number of public spaces.

We are investing in the places that are central to people’s daily lives. We are commissioning local artists to create murals on businesses along the path. We are also transforming spaces through landscaping, signage, seating/sidewalk installations, and more. 

It is important to tie Black and Brown artists to the places around them through long term projects. The goal of these projects is to:

• sustain local businesses,

• reflect the local community,

• and stimulate growth in tourism for decades.

We selected three consultants through requests for proposals to support this work:

Storytelling | The Media Men

The Media Men will share the stories of communities in the area. Their projects may include short videos, print publications, or creative community newsletters. They will also create a final piece about community stories and project outcomes.

Creative Placemaking | Black Market Development

Black Market Development will lead projects focused on supporting and highlighting local businesses. They will work with small business owners on projects which may include:

• grate replacement,

• storefront repairs,

• streetscape landscaping and planters,

• community signage,

• seating and sidewalk installations,

• and other types of art installations or activations. 

Mural Consultant | ProBlak Art

ProBlak Art will create and administer murals along the corridor over a two year period. Project sites will include business storefronts and exterior walls. ProBlak Art will also have the opportunity to select other artists to create murals.