Move4ART

On September 6th, 2017 a message dropped from a Boston.gov email account announcing  a "Farewell to Mattapan-Dorchester and the Haitian Community."  Buried in the message (in the very last paragraph, in fact), was a a cryptic mention that there would "also be updates regarding Mattapan Square...and the addition of a new tattoo parlor." This struck me as curious, since I already had an entry in my calendar, by then, to attend a hearing of the City's  Zoning Board of Appeals  about a tattoo parlor slated to go into the building next door to where I live. The Zoning Board's hearing notice had arrived in snail mail weeks before.  It confirmed what prior to then, was only rumor.  So I resolved to go and lodge a formal protest; specifically about the lack of public process related the proposed change of "business uses" at  438 River Street  in Mattapan, MA. I listened intently as Ruth Georges, out-going Boston Neighborhood Liaison, assured t...

Boston  politics has always been ‘machine politics’–where power is centralized, consolidated, and tightly controlled in the hands of a few, ostensibly for the benefit of ‘the many.’  Unfortunately,  whoever happens to be wielding power understands ‘the many’ as mostly class- and color-coded. Every four years, however, the concept of ‘the many’ is really encouraged to breathe–to find its broadest possible expanse; to stretch to embrace and accommodate, in fact, enough of the voting public.  This is when those who wield power loosen the reigns long enough so some of the rainwater trickles down to the grassroots.  And like art, water is life. And so it is that today  Martin J. Walsh ‘s campaign signs have papered over Mattapan Square with ‘walking around money.’  Curiously though, the racially-displaced (’cause they ain’t from ’round here), candy-sucking panhandlers were no where to be found  today .  And in case you missed it, Ma...

The Mass Cultural Council is seeking input from artists , arts organizations and schools  to inform the development of its new strategic plan.   It's particularly important that Mattapan-based artists and arts organizations weigh in to quash the perception that creatives don't live, work, or play here. You've likely heard elsewhere, when you don't 'vote,' you don't matter.  You are effectively saying, "Do what you will."  Your silence gives assent to what follows; and delimits the authority of your voice, if  (or when) you are later heard to complain. It is an imposition.  It takes about 15 minutes to thoughtfully complete the survey.  Many of the questions require reflection.  It's worth it, however; if you've ever wished you had somewhere to show your work, to find grants, or otherwise forward your projects. Take the time, now--before it's too late.  The survey closes soon.