
Arts + Creativity
Amplifying the power and possibilities of the arts
The arts are essential for just, vibrant, and thriving communities. The power of creativity is a force for transformation, creating vitality and amplifying the voices of those who are often unheard.
Arts organizations, artists, creative workers, culture bearers (those who practice, share, and teach cultural traditions and art forms) help us envision and realize a shared future of equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Barr’s Arts + Creativity program seeks to invest in bold ideas and leaders, driving toward a future in which the arts are a living, breathing force, constantly evolving and igniting our collective imagination.

RootsUprising, Cambridge Arts via Cambridge Community Foundation
Strategies
Learn about the strategies within the Arts + Creativity program.
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Activating Public Support
Investing in research, analysis, and communications to build awareness, engagement, and public demand for strong arts policies and financing.
more about this strategy Read More -
Spanning Sectors
Supporting collaborations across arts disciplines and with other sectors for creative problem solving, expanding arts participation, and increasing resources for arts and creativity.
more about this strategy Read More -
Adapting Boldly
Building capacity for artists and the arts field to adapt, take risks, and engage diverse audiences in new ways.
more about this strategy Read More


Powerful art, bold leadership, and vibrant communities
Recent Grants
The Record Company, Inc.
To strengthen its grants strategy and develop its approach to major donors
- Award Date: 04/29/2025
- Amount: $80,000
- Term: 12 months
- Program:
- Strategy:
City of Boston
To support the City of Boston’s participation in attending the Creative Land Trust Summit to further its department-wide learning and advancement of its charitable impact related to the use of Land Trusts
- Award Date: 04/29/2025
- Amount: $5,000
- Term: 6 months
- Program:
- Strategy:
New Bedford Economic Development Council, Inc.
To support participation at the Creative Land Trust Summit in San Francisco, California
- Award Date: 04/29/2025
- Amount: $5,000
- Term: 6 months
- Program:
- Strategy:
Grantmaking Inquiries
During this time, we are not accepting inquiries for new grant proposals so that we can focus on supporting our current grantees.
Arts + Creativity Team
Arts + Creativity Insights
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How Bridges are Built: A Conversation with Gwendolyn VanSant, CEO of Multicultural BRIDGE

Announcing EPIX (Engage Public Imagination eXchange), a new initiative from the Arts + Creativity program
