Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture – Boston, MA

Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture

The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture is a department within the City of Boston dedicated to supporting the city’s creative economy and cultural community. Located in Boston City Hall, this office oversees the implementation of the ”Boston Creates” cultural plan, manages the city’s public art collection, and administers various grant programs for local artists and non-profit organizations. The department works to ensure that arts and culture are an integral part of the city’s civic life and accessible to all residents across every neighborhood.

Key Programs and Services

The office manages several critical initiatives:

• Boston Art Commission: Reviews and approves public art proposals to be sited on city property.
• Strand Theatre: Manages the historic theater in Dorchester as a community arts space.
• Artist Resource Desk: Provides guidance to artists regarding permitting, zoning, and navigating city hall services.
• Cultural Grants: Distributes funding through the Boston Cultural Council and other opportunity funds.

Visiting City Hall

As this office is located within Boston City Hall, visitors must pass through security screening at the public entrance, including metal detectors and bag checks. The building is a brutalist architectural landmark located at Government Center. While many services, such as grant applications and art calls, are handled online, staff are available to meet with constituents regarding cultural policy and public art projects by appointment.