The Town of Brookline informs the community of a Fall Call for Artists for the Brookline Art Makes Community (BAMC) public art initiative.
The BAMC public art initiative aims to breathe life and color into Brookline’s commercial districts through engaging art installations. The Call for Artists offers an opportunity for artists to propose vibrant, playful concepts for projects that will enhance the community’s enriching environment.
Artists (solo or teams) with experience in outdoor and site-specific works are encouraged to apply.
The deadline to submit is Friday, August 2, 2024 at 12 p.m.
The Town invites artists to apply for the following Fall 2024 projects:
Boxes Around Town: BAMC invites artists to submit artwork designs for three utility boxes along Harvard Street that will transform the boxes into captivating pieces of art. These painted installations provide a canvas for artists to infuse color, vibrancy, and narrative into the everyday streetscape.
Turkeys Around Town: Artists are encouraged to submit proposals for designing and painting three fiberglass turkey sculptures to be installed at the Public Library of Brookline branch locations (Brookline Village, Coolidge Corner, and Putterham). Inspired by the “Cow Parade,” these sculptures will pay homage to Brookline’s unofficial mascots while adding charm to Brookline’s commercial areas.
Art Around Town: BAMC seeks local artists to submit design proposals for two park benches that will be primed, painted, and sealed before being installed for public use on the Town Hall Lawn. These “art benches” should reflect the spirit and diversity of Brookline, creating functional and beautiful pieces of art for the community to enjoy.
About Brookline Art Makes Community (BAMC)
BAMC seeks to engage artists, residents, and visitors in celebrating creativity and fostering community pride. Through a variety of programs and installations, BAMC aims to create visually captivating spaces that reflect the diversity and spirit of Brookline.
BAMC emerged from recommendations included in Brookline’s Local Rapid Recovery Plan (2021), an action plan to support small business and commercial area resiliency. This plan was developed by the Town’s Economic Development Division in collaboration with the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) and Small Business Development Committee (SBDC) as part of a statewide CoViD-19 economic recovery technical assistance program.
BAMC’s objectives are to enhance the appeal and identity of Brookline’s commercial areas through the integration of artistic installations; support local small businesses and the broader arts and culture community; and enrich the in-person experience for visitors and residents by creating visually captivating spaces. In 2022, the Select Board invested $225,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in BAMC. By 2025, the Town plans to install around 50 new permanent public art installations throughout Coolidge Corner, Brookline Village, Washington Square, St. Mary’s Station, and JFK Crossing.
For more information about the BAMC Fall 2024 Calls for Artists, please contact Senior Economic Development Planner Aaron Norris at anorris@brooklinema.gov.
