Boston Public Art Triennial

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.

A group of dancers wearing yellow perform against brightly painted walls.

RootsUprising, Cambridge Arts via Cambridge Community Foundation

An artist paints a bus stop in Lynn, MA.

Powerful art, bold leadership, and vibrant communities

Strategies

Learn about strategies within the Arts + Creativity program.

  • Elevating Arts Leadership

    Elevating cultural organizations and artists as community leaders and anchors

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  • A vibrant mural on a brick building depicts two people hugging.

    Cultivating Spaces of Belonging

    Nurturing community by connecting people to creative spaces that welcome all

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  • A dancer in a white skirt poses in the foreground. A drummer watches on from the background.

    Advocating for the Arts

    Advancing and constructing innovative cultural models and systems

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Recent Arts + Creativity Grants

Dorchester Arts Project

To provide core support for Dorchester Arts Project as part of the Creative Vitality program

J Enterprising Productions LLC

To provide core support for Modern Connection as part of the Catalyzing Vitality program

New England Foundation for the Arts, Inc.

To offset travel expenses to Barr-hosted convenings

More Arts + Creativity Grants Visit More Arts + Creativity Grants

Grantmaking Inquiries

Grants awarded by the Barr Foundation originate in different ways. The majority are initiated by staff based on their ongoing engagement with grantee partners and the broader field. Given the value we place on long-term partnerships, many grants are renewed for current grantees.

Please note that Barr invests in long-term systems change work as outlined in our strategy and — with exceedingly rare exception — does not fund individual artists, individual projects, or programs. For those who feel their work may align with Barr’s priorities, the best approach is to complete this form.

Please allow up to 6 weeks for a response. For additional resources that might support your organization, please check out our Resources for Grant Seekers post.