Last updated: 6/2/25

Public Art In Boston

Public art in Boston is vibrant and transformative. As the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture and the Boston Art Commission, we believe in the power and impact of art that can be experienced by everyone for free.

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The Curatorial Vision for the City of Boston is to foster the creation and collection of artworks that reflect the people, ideas, histories, and futures of Boston, the traditional homeland of the Massachusett people and the home of the neighboring Wampanoag and Nipmuc peoples. We aim to commission and approve artworks that:

engage communities, and
directly respond to, enrich, and enliven the urban environment.

We seek public art that:

is driven by an artistically strong vision,
enhances the diversity and equity of the existing collection, and
possesses durability appropriate to the lifespan of the work.

If you're interested in proposing your own public art project, you can learn more about that process below.

Propose a Public Art Project

How to Propose Public Art in Boston

Public Art Funding Resources

Guidance For Public Art On Private Property

Read The Public Art Policy Document

Current Opportunities

We're Hiring: Program Manager

Deadline: August 3, 2025

This role will responsible for the coordination and administration of the Boston Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program and for connecting City services to artists more broadly.

Experience public art in Boston

Boston Public Art Map

We’ve created a map of public art in Boston to celebrate the diverse cultural stories across our City.

Public art projects in Boston

We commission permanent and temporary public art projects in the City that engage communities and enrich the urban environment.

Virtual Gallery: Neighborhood Signs

Browse reimagined designs for Boston's neighborhood signs created by local artists.

Programs

A Canvas of Culture

We’re commissioning public art at Boston Public Schools through the Percent for Art fund.

Boston Artists-in-Residence

Artists in our residency program partner with City departments. Together, they re-imagine a more creative and equitable Boston.

Paintbox

Every year, the City selects artists to paint utility boxes across the City.

Transformative Public Art Program

We commission several murals and temporary projects every year as part of the Transformative Public Art Program.

Un-monument | Re-monument | De-monument

This multi-year program aims to reimagine Boston’s commemorative landscape through temporary public art installations, free public events, and educational content and activities.

Public Art Conservation

We're caring for the artworks that shape our city's public spaces. Learn more about conservation efforts to maintain Boston's public art collection.

Public Meetings and the Boston Art Commission

If you’re interested in learning more about public art and proposed projects in the city, you should attend a Boston Art Commission (BAC) meeting. The BAC is responsible for approving and commissioning artworks around the City.

We meet monthly with the BAC, and meetings are open to the public. Anyone is welcome to attend, share their thoughts, and ask questions.

Learn more about the Boston Art Commission

The BAC holds public meetings every second Tuesday of the month from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Please join us!

View the upcoming meeting agenda

Watch past meeting recordings