Brookline Art Makes Community (BAMC) Announces Calls for Artists for Fall 2024

The City of Brookline is notifying the community of a fall call for artists for the Brookline Art Makes Community (BAMC) public art initiative.

BAMC’s Public Art Initiative aims to breathe life and color into Brookline’s commercial neighborhoods through engaging art installations. The Call for Artists provides an opportunity for artists to propose dynamic and 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 for submission is Friday, August 2 at 12:00 p.m.

The City invites artists to apply for the following fall 2024 projects:

Boxes Around Town: BAMC invites artists to submit artwork for three utility boxes along Harvard Street that will transform the boxes into captivating works of art. These painted installations provide a canvas for artists to infuse color, vibrancy, and narrative into the everyday urban landscape.

Turkeys in Town: Artists are encouraged to submit proposals to design and paint three fiberglass turkey sculptures to be installed at Brookline Public Library branches (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 is seeking 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” are expected to reflect the spirit and diversity of Brookline, creating functional and beautiful works 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.

The BAMC grew out of recommendations included in Brookline’s Local Rapid Recovery Plan (2021), an action plan to support the resilience of small businesses and commercial areas. The plan was developed by the city’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 goals are to enhance the appeal and identity of Brookline’s commercial areas through the integration of art installations; support local small businesses and the broader arts and culture community; and enrich the in-person experience of visitors and residents by creating visually compelling spaces. In 2022, the Select Board invested $225,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding into BAMC. By 2025, the City plans to install approximately 50 new permanent public art installations in Coolidge Corner, Brookline Village, Washington Square, St. Mary’s Station, and JFK Crossing.

For more information about BAMC’s Fall 2024 Calls for Artists, please contact Senior Economic Development Planner Aaron Norris at [email protected].