Resource Rundown

What’s happening in Boston during Black History Month?

Hi Everybody! I hope everyone is enjoying their snow days and staying safe and healthy. This Black History Month seems to have brought Winter in full force along with it, and given our current public space restrictions, that inherently makes it more difficult to celebrate Black history in the ways that we normally would see throughout the city. However, that does not mean we’re out of opportunities to do so. This week I wanted to take a break from yelling about gentrification to shed some constructive light on resources for artists and racial equity throughout Boston during the month of February (and beyond), many of which can be tapped into from the comfort of your own home. Let’s begin!

• Cultural Equity Incubator: This is a new initiative that is currently looking for more cultural leaders interested in breaking ground in reinforcing racial equity and creative justice. The incubator will be launched at shared space in Midway Studios and will be backed by the City of Boston as well as the Arts and Business Council of Greater Boston and The Boston Foundation. Applications for core members/partners are open until February 21st so hop on this one quick, as it looks like a really special opportunity for the right candidates, potentially with a lot of big players behind it and a foundation with some serious staying power.
• Black Arts Futures Fund: This is an ongoing grant program for small Black arts non-profits, and this round of funding is about supporting operation costs for organizations focused on advancement and amplification of Black art of all kinds. This application is a 1-pager and seems pretty straightforward but give it a thorough read-through and make sure you/your project qualify. This application form (for this round of funding) closes EOD February 26th. If you’re not ready for this date, bookmark the page and see what the next season’s grant looks like too!

• City Hall Galleries: Did you know that Boston City Hall even has art galleries? Here’s a list of the current exhibits, many of which are virtual exhibits or digital artist interviews that don’t require a trip to Government Center. Some notable inclusions: The Real F.R.I.E.N.D.S Exhibition and Artist Talk by Jamaal Eversley, a spotlight on the strengthening of community through creative collaboration and dynamic, colorful storytelling, as well as The History of Right Now, the powerful virtual photography gallery by OJ Slaughter documenting stories from the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. There are also open applications to have your artwork displayed/featured in the future in addition to a constantly updated list of opportunity calls for artists.
• Teen Music Maker Showdown: Hosted by the Boston Public Library, now through February 25th teen artists ages 13–18 can submit their music tracks to this contest, which will be virtually judged by a panel comprised of members of The Hip Hop Transformation, ICA Teens and more. There are three $150 Visa gift card prizes for the competition winners, but it seems there are additional opportunities for paid production work for eligible contestants as well. While the launch celebration event already happened on the 5th of the month, submissions are still open so what do you have to lose!? You could even have your music licensed to the Boston Public Library!
• Bow Market Black Owned Bos. Pop-Up: The trendy Somerville courtyard marketplace is now home to the latest local retail incubator, where new small vendors will be given the opportunity to jumpstart their businesses in a supportive market that won’t break their bank. First on the docket, opening TODAY is House of Art and Craft, a female owned handmade candle and scented product business. Not your thing? Follow Bow Market and Black Owned Bos. for updates on what rotates through in the future.

There’s always room for opportunities, so if you know of something we’re missing, or just something you’d like to bring more attention to, feel free to shoot us a message. Also, increasing exposure for artist resources is an ongoing initiative of ours, so feel free to shoot us a follow on Instagram (@bostonartistimpact) for more updates and cool things that pop up on our radar. See you next week!

Written by Nick Grieco