We’re all familiar with Restaurant Week – twice a year, we’re beckoned out of our kitchens and into our favorite eateries for fixed-price meals, all for the good of boosting the economy and Boston’s businesses. That’s enough reason for me to order dessert. Now, the same concept is being redesigned in Boston to include creations that aren’t just edible: ArtWeek is coming to the hub this September, showcasing cultural experiences, innovations and more around venues in the city.
Citi Performing Arts Center (CPAC) will launch the biannual event this fall, having received a $150,000 grant from ArtPlace earlier this month. ArtPlace, an organization that provides grants so cities can fund art-based initiatives, gave the grant to CPAC in order to help stimulate Boston’s economy and businesses through artistic means.
During ArtWeek, some events will be free, while others will range between the fixed prices of $20.13 and $40.13. The first run will begin on September 27 and last until October 6, while the second will last from April 25 until May 4 of next year. Stay tuned for more information on ArtWeek as events and participating venues are announced. Events, submitted by local artists, nonprofits, and organizations, will be selected by a panel of judges on the basis of how they incorporate art into the community.
Citi will be partnering with venues in Boston and Cambridge, as well as the City of Boston, the Visitors Bureau, the Greater Boston Convention, and the Mass. Department of Tourism in order to maximize the ArtWeek vision for the city – which see curated events and experiences teaming up with local businesses to enhance the creative economy.
Citi CEO Josiah Spaulding believes that ArtWeek will strengthen the community through the arts. “The Creative Community (museums, performing, artistic communities, and others) are ready and excited to unite and innovate under the vision of ArtWeek, creating a timely model for collaboration linked to economic revitalization that uniquely supports the Principles of Creative Placemaking,” said Spaulding in a press release.
‘Creative Placemaking’ is ArtPlace’s drive to “place artists and art at the center of planning, executing, and activity” in a city, according to their website.
“ArtPlace America recognizes the central role arts and cultural activities can have in the revitalization of American cities,” said Rip Rapson, chair of ArtPlace America’s Presidents’ Council in a statement. As ArtWeek launches in Boston this year, the organization hopes to see it spread nationally, and internationally, in the coming years.
To be considered to submit a one-page proposal for an ArtWeek event, email artweek@citicenter.org. For more information, click here.
