NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— This Summer, North Adams' Cultural District Committee, Public Arts Commission, City Councilor Andrew Fitch, and Mayor Jennifer Macksey have approved, funded, and produced a new public art project for downtown North Adams. 

 

In an effort to continue the beautification of the city, ten electrical boxes at downtown intersections have been chosen to showcase a new collection of artwork from local artists. Artists with a strong connection to North Adams are encouraged to apply and will receive a stipend to cover the costs of paint supplies and their time if their work is selected. 

 

After the last two years' campaigns filling empty storefront windows with banner art, this program is an ongoing effort from the city's Public Arts Commission to create a welcoming and unique downtown experience for longtime residents and visitors alike.

 

"North Adams is a beacon of artistic expression, drawing tens of thousands of artists and art consumers each year," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey. "We must invest in our artistic future, and the future of our city." 

 

Submission and production details: 

 

Ten artists will be chosen and each artist will receive an honorarium of $325 as well as a stipend of $175 to cover the cost of supplies. Each electrical box will be cleaned and primed by the City of North Adams prior to painting. Electrical box locations are at the following intersections.

 

 

Project timeline:

How to submit:

 

Interested artists should submit their art sample, contact information, and statement of connection to North Adams through the following Google form. Once selected, artists will be assigned a specific electrical box along with its dimensions and will be asked to submit a final design.

 

Submit art here

 

"We are trying to curate a downtown full of artwork, where people want to take a stroll and explore the beauty that surrounds them. As a producer of events such as First Fridays, I appreciate any initiative that has the potential to bring more people to our city's downtown. Our businesses, galleries, and residents will all benefit from the increased traffic and aesthetic improvements," said Anna Farrington, who is a local graphic designer and one of the leaders of the First Friday Committee and a member of the North Adams Cultural District Committee. 

 

The North Adams Cultural District Committee is a collaborative group of volunteers and the Office of Tourism dedicated to supporting events, activities and entities within the defined cultural district of North Adams. This committee and its activities are funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Cultural District Funding in addition to other related grants to support happenings within the District.