Open Calls for Artists

September 1, 2023

Calls for Artists Announced for Brookline Art Makes Community (BAMC) Public Art Initiative

Brookline, MA — The Town of Brookline is excited to announce three open Calls for Artists for the Brookline Art Makes Community (BAMC) commercial areas public art initiative, a project aimed at enhancing the vibrancy and visual appeal of Brookline's commercial areas through the infusion of public art and placemaking activations. The Town is seeking proposals from artists or teams of artists with demonstrated experience in creating outdoor and/or site specific works of art, for projects that will bring more activation, playfulness, joy, color, and beauty into Brookline’s commercial areas. The deadline for submissions is 12pm noon on Sunday, October 1, 2023.

This year, BAMC has 3 public art programs open for applicant submissions: Wrapped Boxes Around Town, Painted Boxes Around Town, and Art Around Town. Please see below for more details. Interested artists can also email Aaron Norris, Economic Development Planner, at [email protected] with any questions.

Brookline Art Makes Community (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 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; to support local small businesses and the broader arts and culture community; and to enrich the in-person experience for visitors and residents by creating visually captivating spaces in Brookline’s commercial areas. In 2022, the Select Board invested $225,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in Brookline Art Makes Community (BAMC).

BAMC’s Calls for Artists comes after many months of community engagement, feasibility studies, and data collection and analysis. By 2025, the Town plans to install over 35 new permanent public art installations in the form of murals, sculptures, utility box art, etc. throughout Coolidge Corner, Brookline Village, Washington Square, St. Mary’s Station, and JFK Crossing.