Official City of Worcester Seal Image

City of Worcester, MA

Announcements Image

Worcester Cultural Development Division Selected for Public Art Training and Grant Initiative

For Immediate Release: 1/27/2025 2:59 pm

WORCESTER, Mass. – The City of Worcester Cultural Development Division announced Monday it is one of 10 municipalities selected to participate in a public art training and grant initiative by the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA).

The training, Making It Public 2025, is offered by NEFA in partnership with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s Arts & Culture Department. According to NEFA, the “Making It Public curriculum incorporates the use of grant agreements and trains municipalities in practices to commission public art that are in alignment with the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in public procurement.” At the conclusion of the training, municipal administrators will draft calls for temporary public art. NEFA provides participating municipalities with a $15,000 grant to fund artists selected through the calls for art.

“Public art has the power to transform spaces, spark dialogue, and reflect the heart of our community," said Worcester Cultural Development Officer Fabian Barracks. "Through the Making It Public initiative, we are further activating Worcester’s Cultural Plan by bringing more dynamic public art projects to the city, building on efforts like the recently launched Woobox Art Project, which will see more than 30 utility boxes transformed by our talented local creatives. Funds from NEFA will also expand our Festival of Lights art installations, further enhancing Worcester’s cultural vibrancy and placemaking efforts. I want to extend special thanks to Yaffa Fain, our Assistant Cultural Development Officer, for her leadership in securing this grant opportunity for Worcester."

City of Worcester
Worcester 311
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 311
Contact Us
Services Tour

Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram Icons
ALERTWorcester Logo
City of Worcester Seal Image Worcester Public Schools Seal Image Worcester Public Library Logo
Home | Login | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Site Map

© 2025 Copyright City of Worcester, MA. All Rights Reserved.

Official City of Worcester, MA Website WorcesterMA.gov