Boston Art Commission facts for kids
The Boston Art Commission is a group that helps decide where new public art goes in the city of Boston. It was started way back in 1890. They make sure that art is placed on land owned by the City of Boston.
This art is found all over the city. It helps show that Boston has a long history and is always coming up with new ideas. The artworks can be permanent or temporary. They include traditional art like statues, and newer art forms. They also include city designs like signs that help you find your way, or special lights.
The Art Commission also takes care of all the paintings, murals, statues, and other art structures on city property. They believe that people in Boston should not just enjoy art. They should also be involved in creating it, understanding it, and taking care of it. This helps keep art alive and well in all of Boston's neighborhoods.
The Mayor of Boston chooses the nine people who are part of the Art Commission. Each person is suggested by a cultural group in Boston. The Art Commission holds meetings on the second Tuesday of every month.
What Kind of Art Does Boston Have?
Boston has many different kinds of public art. This art shows important ideas and changes happening in the city and the country. Today, artists and people from the community work with the Mayor's Office and the Boston Art Commission. They want to make sure that Boston's public art shows the many different people and stories from the city's past and present.
It's very important for the community to be involved when a new piece of public art is planned in Boston. The city encourages community groups and neighborhood projects. The Mayor's office supports these through special Neighborhood Coordinators. This means that most public art projects start with the community. People from the community help choose where the art will go, who will create it, and what it will look like. The Art Commission also tries to support many different art styles and types.
You can learn more about the art by visiting the Art Commission's records. The Boston City Archives in West Roxbury also has records. You need to make an appointment to visit.
The PaintBox Program
The PaintBox program helps local artists show their talent in their own neighborhoods. It also makes the streets brighter and helps stop people from damaging utility boxes.
Through PaintBox, the Art Commission asks Boston artists to paint utility boxes in their neighborhoods. This helps create an ongoing conversation about art. Each painted box might have a different theme or style, depending on the artist. But because the program is city-wide, PaintBox itself has become a big, exciting art display! This program gets its money from company donations, not from taxes.
