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Last updated:

Poetry, Public Art, and the Politics of Memory

The first of three public conversations at The Embrace as part of Un-monument | De-monument | Re-monument: Transforming Boston.

July 31, 2024
2024-07-31T17:30:00 - 2024-07-31T19:30:00

Join the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture and The Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University for a series of free public discussions on democracy and justice. The inaugural event will take place on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at The Embrace (139 Tremont Street, Boston, MA).

This discussion, hosted by Professor Brandon Terry and featuring Professor Joshua Bennett and Professor Imani Perry, will center around "Poetry, Public Art, and the Politics of Memory."

Poetry, especially since the great age of epic poetry, has been a profoundly important technology of communal memory and stories of peoplehood all around the globe. Our first event looks to this legacy and its present-day importance with Joshua Bennett, one of the country’s most celebrated poet-scholars, and Imani Perry, one of our nation’s most prominent public intellectuals, as they engage in a public conversation about the art and politics of memory.

Backdropped by the Embrace, Boston’s most talked-about work of public art in decades, these two extraordinary thinkers will reflect on hard questions about who and what we remember, the form and function of civic memory, and the ways that art may be able to facilitate a more inclusive and insightful practice of imagination.

Take part in the conversation as we learn about the nature of collective and civic memories and the different forms that human beings have experimented with to pass them down through generations.


This event, in collaboration with the Friends of the Public Garden, and Embrace Boston, is a part of the City of Boston's Un-monument program, a multi-year, city-wide initiative partnering with artists and local arts organizations to spark conversations about monuments through temporary public art installations, free public events, and interactive arts experiences. Learn more about the Un-monument initiative.

This event is free and open to the public, thanks to a grant from the Mellon Foundation’s Monuments Project. RSVPs are encouraged, but not required, and there is no registration limit.

Will we see you at The Embrace? Let us know!

July 31, 2024
2024-07-31T17:30:00 - 2024-07-31T19:30:00

Notice of Accommodations

English: Interpretation and translation services are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please contact us at arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov or 617-635-4445, by: 7/29

Spanish - Español: Hay servicios de interpretación y traducción a su disposición sin costo alguno. Si los necesita, póngase en contacto con nosotros mandando un correo electrónico arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov  o llamando a 617-635-4445, hasta esta fecha: 29/7

Haitian Creole -Kreyòl ayisyen:  Sèvis entèpretation ak tradiksyon disponib pou ou san sa pa koute w anyen. Si w bezwen yo, tanpri kontakte nou nan arts@boston.gov LCA@boston.gov  oswa 617-635-4445, ant: 29/7

Traditional Chinese - 繁體中文: 我們可以向您提供口頭翻譯和書面翻譯服務,並不向您收取費用。如您需要,請在 29 月 7 日 前與我們連絡,發電子郵件至  arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov 或致電 617-635-4445。

Vietnamese - Tiếng Việt: Các dịch vụ thông dịch và biên dịch được cung cấp cho quý vị hoàn toàn miễn phí. Nếu quý vị cần những dịch vụ này, vui lòng liên lạc với chúng tôi theo địa chỉ arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov  hoặc số điện thoại 617-635-4445. ngày cuối: (date day/month two weeks in advance)  

Simplified Chinese - 简体中文:  我们可以向您提供口头翻译和书面翻译服务,并不向您收取费用。如您需要,请在 29 月 7 日 前与我们联系, 发电子邮件至 arts@boston.govLCA@boston.gov  或致电 617-635-4445。

Cabo Verdean Creole - kriolu:  Nu ta oferese-bu sirvisus di interpretason y traduson di grasa. Si bu meste kes sirvisu la, kontata-nu pa email arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov  ó pa telefóni, pa númeru 617-635-4445. Na es data:  29/7

 Arabic - العربية

خدمات الترجمة الشفوية والترجمة التحريرية متوفرة لك دون تحملك أي تكلفة. إذا احتجت لهذه الخدمات، يرجى التواصل معنا على العنوانarts@boston.gov, أو LCA@boston.gov، أو رقم الهاتف 617-635-4445، بحلول يوم (29/7). 

Russian -Русский: Услуги устного и письменного перевода предоставляются бесплатно. Если Вам они нужны, просьба связаться с нами по адресу электронной почты arts@boston.govLCA@boston.gov либо по телефону 617-635-4445. до  29/7

Portuguese - Português: Você tem à disposição serviços gratuitos de interpretação e tradução. Se precisar deles, fale conosco: arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov ou 617-635-4445. Até esta data 29/7

French - Français: Les services d’interprétation et de traduction sont à votre disposition gratuitement. Si vous en avez besoin, veuillez nous contacter à arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov ou au 617-635-4445, d'ici au: 29/7

Somali - Af Soomaali: Adeegyada tarjumaadda iyo fasiraada luuqadaha ayaa diyaar kuu ah adiga oo aan wax kharash ah ka bixin. Haddii aad u baahatid iyaga, fadlan nagala soo xiriir arts@boston.gov, LCA@boston.gov ama 617-635-4445, markay taariikhdu tahay:  29/7



Last updated:

Future Fest

Transforming Boston's City Hall Plaza into an interactive playground of the future through music, light art, and dance!

August 3, 2024
  • 8:00pm - 11:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    City Hall Plaza
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Posted:
2024-08-03T20:00:00 - 2024-08-03T23:00:00

Welcome to the future of art experiences!

MF Dynamics and the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture are collaborating to transform City Hall Plaza into an interactive playground of the future. Featuring multi-sensory live performances, participatory light art, and good vibes, the plaza will be activated by a cohort of incredible multidisciplinary regional artists.

Flyer for FUTURE FEST happening on City Hall Plaza Sat. August 3 from 8 - 11 PM

August 3, 2024
  • 8:00pm - 11:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    City Hall Plaza
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Posted:
2024-08-03T20:00:00 - 2024-08-03T23:00:00
Last updated:

'If You Can Feel It You Can Speak It' Event

"If you can feel it you can speak it" is a dedicated LGBTQ+ artists of color open mic series that includes all art forms and expressions.

October 13, 2024
  • 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • 5 Congress Street
    Civic Pavilion
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Art
  • Posted:
2024-10-13T18:30:00 - 2024-10-13T21:30:00

Formerly at the Milky Way in Jamaica Plain, the series includes 12 adult open mics and four youth open mics. This will be their 14th annual series since losing their host space at the Milky Way due to COVID-19.

Flyer for "If you can feel it you can speak it" open mic

October 13, 2024
  • 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • 5 Congress Street
    Civic Pavilion
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Art
  • Posted:
2024-10-13T18:30:00 - 2024-10-13T21:30:00
Last updated:

'If You Can Feel It You Can Speak It' Event

"If you can feel it you can speak it" is a dedicated LGBTQ+ artists of color open mic series that includes all art forms and expressions.

September 8, 2024
  • 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • 5 Congress Street
    Civic Pavilion
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Art
  • Posted:
2024-09-08T18:30:00 - 2024-09-08T21:30:00

Formerly at the Milky Way in Jamaica Plain, the series includes 12 adult open mics and four youth open mics. This will be their 14th annual series since losing their host space at the Milky Way due to COVID-19.

Flyer for "If you can feel it you can speak it" open mic

September 8, 2024
  • 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • 5 Congress Street
    Civic Pavilion
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Art
  • Posted:
2024-09-08T18:30:00 - 2024-09-08T21:30:00
Last updated:

'If You Can Feel It You Can Speak It' Event

"If you can feel it you can speak it" is a dedicated LGBTQ+ artists of color open mic series that includes all art forms and expressions.

August 11, 2024
  • 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • 5 Congress Street
    Civic Pavilion
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Art
  • Posted:
2024-08-11T18:30:00 - 2024-08-11T21:30:00

Formerly at the Milky Way in Jamaica Plain, the series includes 12 adult open mics and four youth open mics. This will be their 14th annual series since losing their host space at the Milky Way due to COVID-19.

Flyer for "If you can feel it you can speak it" open mic

August 11, 2024
  • 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • 5 Congress Street
    Civic Pavilion
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Art
  • Posted:
2024-08-11T18:30:00 - 2024-08-11T21:30:00
Last updated:

GLD FSTVL '24

GLD FSTVL is a free annual festival held in Boston, specifically at City Hall Plaza, with the overarching vision of celebrating Hip-Hop culture.

August 10, 2024
  • 12:00pm - 10:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Posted:
2024-08-10T12:00:00 - 2024-08-10T22:00:00

This event features live music performances, DJ sets, dance showcases, and various food and retail vendors. It serves as a platform to amplify Hip-Hop culture, particularly highlighting the contributions of regional artists alongside national acts. The festival aims to provide fair compensation, media visibility, and professional stage and sound systems for all performers. Additionally, it promotes inclusivity and celebrates the beauty of Black culture through Hip-Hop. The inaugural free festival in August 2023 hosted 15 artists and DJs honoring and celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop.

GLD FSTVL '24 graphic

August 10, 2024
  • 12:00pm - 10:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Posted:
2024-08-10T12:00:00 - 2024-08-10T22:00:00
Last updated:

Slam Theatre

Slam Theatre will present four to six 10-minute plays, written by Fabiola Decius and other local playwrights.

July 11, 2024
  • 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Posted:
2024-07-11T18:00:00 - 2024-07-11T20:00:00

Join the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture for an evening of Slam Theatre centered on themes of American culture and values and Afrocentricity.

Slam Theatre flyer

July 11, 2024
  • 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Posted:
2024-07-11T18:00:00 - 2024-07-11T20:00:00
Last updated:

'If You Can Feel It You Can Speak It' Event

"If you can feel it you can speak it" is a dedicated LGBTQ+ artists of color open mic series that includes all art forms and expressions.

July 14, 2024
  • 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • 5 Congress Street
    Civic Pavilion
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Art
  • Posted:
2024-07-14T18:30:00 - 2024-07-14T21:30:00

Formerly at the Milky Way in Jamaica Plain, the series includes 12 adult open mics and four youth open mics. This will be their 14th annual series since losing their host space at the Milky Way due to COVID-19.

"If you can feel it you can speak it" flier

July 14, 2024
  • 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • 5 Congress Street
    Civic Pavilion
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Art
  • Posted:
2024-07-14T18:30:00 - 2024-07-14T21:30:00
Last updated:

Open Newbury 2024

Every Sunday from June 30 - September 1, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

July 28, 2024
  • 10:00am - 8:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Sunday, starting from June 30, 2024, 10 times
  • Newbury Street
    Boston, MA
  • Contact:
    Open Newbury
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Back Bay
  • Posted:
2024-07-28T10:00:00 - 2024-07-28T20:00:00

 We’re so excited about the upcoming season, and hope that you’ll join us on the street to shop, play, and connect this Summer. 

July 28, 2024
  • 10:00am - 8:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Sunday, starting from June 30, 2024, 10 times
  • Newbury Street
    Boston, MA
  • Contact:
    Open Newbury
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Back Bay
  • Posted:
2024-07-28T10:00:00 - 2024-07-28T20:00:00
Last updated:

Juneteenth Freedom Fest

June 30, 2024
2024-06-30T12:00:00 - 2024-06-30T16:00:00

Join us for a day of celebration, education, and community at the Boston Juneteenth Freedom Fest! This free public event commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates African American culture and contributions.

June 30, 2024
2024-06-30T12:00:00 - 2024-06-30T16:00:00
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