Move4ART

An interesting thing happened on the way back from NYC:  a phone call alerting me about an info session the following day. Despite the late notice, here's  what I learned: Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DNSI) has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on behalf of "a broad range of community-based partners" to commission a public art installation in the Upham's Corner neighborhood. Although the "call" has gone out "for artists," facilitators of the info session stressed that the artist label is broadly defined to privilege: "local, cultural markets;"  "elevat[ing] the richness" that resides at the local level. Any and all "creative practitioners" are welcome to apply; especially those who have demonstrated leadership engaging communities in "participatory processes." Answering a few key questions in a three- to five-minute video is all that's required to start the application pro...

Since you asked, our twin taglines point to two distinct operational tracks for  Mattapan Cultural Arts Development:  on one hand, " Climbing as we build " relates to our push to build a cultural arts center where art can happen in Mattapan; on the other hand, " Making Art Happen in Mattapan " presents a constant reminder of our ultimate goal. We'll spend the next few months cultivating a community of stakeholders:  from the inside out--inviting Mattapan residents, public officials, property owners and businesses into a conversation about what it would mean if Mattapan were an arts destination; and  from the outside in--importing the necessary skill sets and expertise to design and develop a complex, mixed-use, LEED-certified building as a focal point for the arts in Mattapan.  In the meantime we're surveying Mattapan youth and families to assess the need for what kinds of art, while cultivating a network of artists and arts organizations interest...