We’re postponing… but! In response to the Massachusetts’s Governor’s guidance in response to the outbreak of COVID-19, we’re postponing this event. In the meantime, however, we’re still thinking about these important issues, and know you are, too. We invite you to sign up here to receive occasional emails on this and related topics. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to being in touch!

What can municipal staff working in the areas of planning, open space and recreation, and public arts do to address untold histories, engage with controversy, and leverage the power of public art and public memory in these discussions?

Join the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and New England Foundation for the Arts for a professional development workshop designed for municipal staff on new approaches to public memory and public art in Greater Boston.

In this workshop, you’ll learn about best practices for facilitating dialogue about controversial monuments and memorials in your community, and about inspiring examples of public art and public history projects that are transforming public memories of places around the country. You will also engage in small group discussions where you’ll have an opportunity to learn about lesser-known historic and cultural stories in our region and how those stories and experiences can be actively engaged in place-based planning and programming related to public art, creative placemaking/placekeeping initiatives, and more.

Facilitators and Speakers: To be announced

This event is part of a series organized by the MAPC’s Arts and Culture Department and NEFA’s Public Art Department in conjunction with MAPC’s MetroCommon 2050 planning process. This unique, cross-sector initiative brings together artists and creators, planners, and policymakers to discuss the evolving relationship among public art, public memory, and public policy and to explore how artists can envision and shape more inclusive, thriving spaces and communities in Greater Boston.

Join us for a conversation with staff from Franklin, Boston, Beverly, and Arlington as they chart a path to response and recovery for artists and arts organizations. We will be sharing preliminary findings of our regional survey and discussing how to provide more outdoor cultural programming as a safe COVID-19 strategy.

On June 22nd from 4:00-5:30 pm ET, join the MAPC Public Health and Arts & Culture departments as we unveil new artworks created by nine artists and artist teams that aim to spread the word about COVID-related public health advice. The artworks are available for public use by health agencies, municipalities, community groups, and the general public. Join us to celebrate the artists and receive links to the artworks available for digital download and sharing!

Learn more about the project at www.mapc.org/covid19-art.