Arts and Culture

MAPC's Arts and Culture Department helps cities and towns with policies, programs, and staffing that help arts and cultural assets grow and thrive by providing technical assistance with the full range of arts and culture planning issues. 

2024 Highlighted Projects

Artist Caoin O'Durgy, wearing a white tshirt and blue jeans is facing a mural on a wall painting the mural.

Caoin O’Durgy, a talented artist based in Somerville, MA, was selected to create vibrant murals to connect Holliston Downtown and the Rail Trail. 

Regional Trails Creative Placemaking Project 

The Regional Trails Creative Placemaking Strategy established an arts-engaged approach to transforming the region’s LandLine Trail Network from transportation infrastructure into a community asset. 

As part of this project, a vibrant new mural created by artist Caoin O'Durgy was unvieled in Holliston this year. The mural connects Holliston's Downtown and Rail Trail.

In white writing over a dark red background it says, "History and Heritage Funding". Above that in red writing over a yellow background it says, "Eastern Massachusetts Historical Commission Coalition." To the right of all the text is a photo of a red sign with white writing on it behind a chained link fence outside.

Cover page for one of the hosted webinars.

Eastern Massachusetts Historical Commission Coalition (EMHCC) 

MAPC hosted three webinars with 361 participants on topics such as demolition delay, inclusive historical narratives, and funding for heritage projects. 

Making It Public decorative element.

Making It Public for Massachusetts Municipalities 

Eight municipalities (total of 23 individuals) participated in the Fiscal Year 2024 Making It Public cohort. 

Seven municipalities (total of 18 individuals) are participating in the Fiscal Year 2025 cohort. 

An abstract art mural painted on a horizontal wooden fence outside. The word, "Needham" is part of the painted mural. Behind the fence are trees and a building.

The Needham Rail Trail mural was designed by Megan Carleton, Sarah Shine, and members of the Needham community (photo courtesy of Megan Carleton). 

Needham Arts and Culture Action Plan 

In 2024, the Town of Needham adopted the Needham Arts & Culture Action Plan developed by MAPC in partnership with the Town and a Cultural Planning Working group. The plan includes vision and values to guide the future investments for the town's arts and culture resources. 

An electric box with an art mural on it depicting Chinatown in Boston. In black painted text, it says, "City of Boston". In the upper left is a yellow circle icon with the words "TAP Funded" in blue.

Painted utility box in Chinatown in the City of Boston.

City of Boston Chinatown Cultural Plan 

Completed in December 2024, the Chinatown Cultural Plan provides a roadmap to knit distinct programs and initiatives led by community partners and the City of Boston into a strong fabric that preserves and grows the identity of Chinatown as an authentic neighborhood and historic cultural center. 

Statue of Charlotte Forten. A bronze statue of a woman standing looking ahead. She is holding an open book in her hands, and there is a bird with open wings sitting on her arm by the book.

An up close view of the Charlotte Forten statue.

Installation of Charlotte Forten Memorial Statue

In November 2024, the City of Salem installed and hosted a dedication ceremony for a memorial honoring the life and legacy of Charlotte Forten (Grimké). 

The installation is located in Charlotte Forten Park, following the robust leadership of a community advisory group that developed the vision and values for the project and selected the final artist.

MAPC supported the Call for Art process in partnership with the City of Salem. 

Entities Involved: City of Salem, New England Foundation of the Arts, Salem Public Art


2024 Awards and Accomplishments

2024 NARC Award for Rooted in Nature
MAPC was nationally recognized by the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) with their Major Metro Award for the "Rooted in Nature" web series, which focused on integrating Indigenous knowledge and climate resilience.
July 2024

Cohosted Arts Advocacy Week
MAPC collaborated with MASSCreative to cohost Arts Advocacy Week at the State House, aiming to raise awareness and support for arts and culture in the region. 
January 24, 2024

Pictured, NARC President Carol Vinton, MAPC Executive Director Marc Draisen, and NARC Immediate Past President Jennifer Robinson on stage at the National Association of Regional Councils' 58th Annual Conference & Exhibition in Atlanta.

MAPC receiving the Major Metro Award. Pictured: NARC President Carol Vinton, MAPC Executive Director Marc Draisen, and NARC Immediate Past President Jennifer Robinson on stage at the National Association of Regional Councils' 58th Annual Conference & Exhibition in Atlanta. 

2024 News of Note
Articles about MAPC's work, expertise, or articles MAPC staff were interviewed for or quoted in.