New Directions for Barr’s Arts & Creativity Program
Submitted by Steve on February 12, 2016
From E. San San Wong, Senior Program Officer at the Barr Foundation:
Three years ago, during the Boston mayoral race, artists, arts organizations, and engaged allies mobilized, lifted their voices, and called for greater support for the creative sector. This set the stage for Mayor Walsh to appoint Boston’s first cabinet-level arts chief in decades and to invite thousands of Bostonians to chart an inspirational course for their city through Boston Creates. Additionally, over these years, through the Barr-Klarman Arts Capacity Building Initiative, a cohort of arts and culture organizations have grown stronger and better capitalized to take artistic and organizational risks.
And, through our partnership with ArtPlace America and creative placemaking investments in places like Upham’s Corner, Chinatown, and The Greenway, the arts are giving voice to residents, fostering economic development, and enlivening neighborhoods.