Artists adorn Boston at the Public Art Triennial

Boston's first Public Art Triennial will kick off tomorrow, May 22, decorating the streets of East Boston, Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan until October 31. This festival has the goal to connect the citizens of Boston with the minds of its artists, creating experiences that “open perspectives, spaces and relationships across Boston.”

This Triennial marks the beginning of a tradition of public art festivals held every three years. It will combine the work of 18 artists from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and talents, placing their works in conversation with the places and communities that surround them. Therefore, it is an interdisciplinary effort led by an Artistic Director, an Art Curator, and a Curatorial Advisory Board.

The Boston Public Art Triennial includes 15 exhibitions over six months. These exhibitions will utilize a variety of artistic media. These include sculptures, interactive exhibits, live art displays, and audience- or community-led exhibitions.

The history of the Triennale: supporting artists for 10 years.

The Boston Public Art Triennial was originally a non-profit organization called Now + There. Over the past 10 years, Now + There has commissioned the creation of 52 exhibitions of public art in Boston with the goals of enriching the beauty of the city and highlighting the talent of its artists. 

Now + There has always had a mission to elevate public art. This dream became a reality thanks to the support of the Boston City Council and hundreds of donors, who made it possible for Now + There organized the Public Art Triennial. Consequently, the organization changed its name to Boston Public Art Triennial, reflecting the achievement of its artists and donors. 

The team behind the Triennial. 

The Artistic Director Pedro Alonso, from Tijuana, Mexico, will direct this year's Boston Public Art Triennial. Alonso is an independent curator, known for exhibitions that stand out from common museum traditions. Alonso describes his relationship with public art as follows:

“Public art has the power to engage communities and address complex problems in new ways, allowing us to break down narratives that prevent us from imagining the equitable solutions we seek.”

Additionally, the Triennial features curator Less Lukey of Worcester, Massachusetts. Lukey is a member of the Wampanoag tribe of Gay Head, Aquinnah. She hopes the Triennial can engage Indigenous artists in the city's identity. 

The Triennial team hopes to present public art as a catalyst for social change. They dream of transforming this city into a community willing to confront the difficult conversations surrounding it. If you'd like to visit the Boston Public Art Triennial, please attend. to its opening ceremony at Evans Way Park, tomorrow, May 22, at 11:30 AM

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Sources:

• Now + There
• Boston Public Art Triennial
• WBUR.org
• Image designed by Freepik.