Public Art in Boston
We commission permanent and temporary public art projects in the City that engage communities and enrich the urban environment.
Public Art Update: There are several public art projects currently underway throughout the City. If you encounter an artist or conservator working on a project, please maintain social distancing, take a look at a safe distance, and be respectful. If you have questions about the artwork, email arts@boston.gov.
We regularly release calls to artists for temporary and permanent public art on City property. The Boston Art Commission advocates for the creation of innovative and transformative art. We want to enrich the lives of Boston’s citizens through public art.
News and announcements
News
Boston Art Commission
The Boston Art Commission is an independent board that approves and commissions innovative and transformative public artworks around the City. Learn more about their upcoming meetings below.
Propose a Public Art Project
Public Art Under Review
Examining equity and representation in the City’s collection through public dialogue.
The Percent for Art Program
The Percent for Art Program is a critical outcome of the Boston Creates cultural plan, which called for:
"integrating arts and culture into all aspects of civic life, inspiring all Bostonians to value, practice, and reap the benefits of creativity in their individual lives and in their communities."
Through the program, we set aside one percent of the City’s annual capital borrowing budget for the commissioning of public art. The Percent for Art Program is administered by the:
- Arts and Culture, and
- Boston Art Commission.
- the Budget office
- Property Management, and
- other City Departments.
- See all the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture current open calls and applications.
City-driven, long-term projects
City-driven, short-term Public Art
Community-driven, long-term projects
Community-driven, short-term projects
The WOW Wind on Water Wind Sculptures were created by Lyman Whitaker. They were installed on the Charlestown Navy Yard. The project was organized by the Navy Yard Garden Association, and will be up through May 2021. The project includes 32 sculptures in eight groupings that are situated in Shipyard Park and along Boston Harbor.
Miskodoodiswan (Red Dress Lodge-Ojibwemowin) is an installation that brings attention to Murdered, Missing Indigenous Womxn (MMIW). This project and installation is aimed at bringing Indigenous people, their struggles, and their strengths into the visible. It also supports non-Indigenous people to engage in Indigenous issues decolonially. By creating an artistic environment guided by the artist's Indigenous philosophies, this installation is intended to:
- educate the masses
- connect people, and
- offer healing to MMIW and those connected to these atrocities.
This installation also aims to braid the local tribes together to create a strong Indigenous community. This installation takes place on the 400th anniversary of the Plymouth colony being established. It highlights the beginning dynamics that allow for the genocide, murder, and abduction of Indigenous peoples. Miskodoodiswan is designed to unite people in the spirit of care. It also ams to create positive cultural evolution that centers the Indigenous people of Turtle Island (USA).
