Jonah Bokaer

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

Double Edge Theatre Productions, Inc.

To support a summit on arts, environment, and economic resilience at Double Edge in November 2025

Celebrity Series of Boston

To support the program “We the People: A Celebration of Our Common Humanity”

Design Studio for Social Intervention

To provide core support for the Design Studio for Social Intervention

More Arts + Creativity Grants Visit More Arts + Creativity Grants

Grantmaking Inquiries

The Arts + Creativity program is currently undergoing a strategic refresh to align grantmaking efforts with the evolving needs of the sector.

During this time, we are not accepting inquiries for new grant proposals so that we can focus on supporting our current grantees.

Arts + Creativity Insights

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