Arts & culture

Arts programming, artist support, cultural spaces and neighborhood history and heritage.

Residents want paid, supported local artists, free affordable places to create and perform, and more public art, free cultural events and youth arts across neighborhoods.

Theme grouped and summary written with AI from this theme's resident ideas.

Needs that keep coming back

• Pay and support for local artists

  Residents ask for micro-grants, fair pay, mentorship and business training so artists and musicians can sustain their work in Boston.

  Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27

  2024–25: Business training for musicians2025–26: Creative Catalyst Fund for Boston artists2026–27: City fund for fair pay for local musicians

• Free or low-cost spaces to create, rehearse and show art

  Residents want studios, galleries, co-working and performance spaces in vacant storefronts, unused city buildings and neighborhood hubs, especially in Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan.

  Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27

  2024–25: Subsidize public galleries in vacant storefronts2025–26: Unused city buildings as rehearsal and studio spaces2026–27: Free art exhibition space in unused public buildings

• Free cultural events and performances in neighborhoods

  Residents ask for free concerts, festivals and performances in parks and public spaces that reflect Boston's many cultures and reach beyond downtown.

  Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27

  2024–25: Seed funding for neighborhood events and performances2025–26: Community festival with local artists and vendors2026–27: Free neighborhood summer concerts in city parks

• Murals and public art by local artists

  Residents suggest paying local and BIPOC artists to paint murals and install public art that beautifies blank walls and underused spaces.

  Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27

  2024–25: Pay local artists for public murals2025–26: Mural on Cummins retaining wall near schools2026–27: Citywide murals by local artists

• Arts and music programs for children and youth

  Residents want free or low-cost art, music and dance programs and spaces for young people, including instruments, studios and healing-centered arts.

  Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27

  2024–25: More music studios like old Mattapan library2025–26: Art and music activities for children and youth2026–27: Youth music programs for Boston kids

Departments that often lead this work

• Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture
• Boston Public Library

Suggested with AI; not an official assignment of responsibility.