AiR Boston 2027: Three $52,000 Civic Artist Residencies — Apply by January 4
Overview
The City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture is seeking three working artists for the 2027 Boston Artists-in-Residence pilot. Each selected artist will receive a separate professional-services contract and work with a City department on socially engaged, civic art. The estimated contract period is February 1 through December 17, 2027, with an estimated annual budget of $52,000 and a commitment of 15–20 hours per week. Artists working in any medium may respond, including digital and media artists whose practice is grounded in public participation.
Minimum qualifications
Applicants must be at least 18, eligible to work in the United States, able to provide W-9 tax documentation and able to commute to Boston daily for meetings and program activities. The RFP requires at least five years of relevant professional experience as a working artist. It also requires evidence of Boston’s civic or cultural landscape through at least five Boston-area projects, showcases, exhibitions, workshops, classes or performances.
Scope and proposal materials
Resident artists will collaborate with City staff and communities, develop socially engaged projects, document the work and participate in evaluation. The technical response asks for the applicant’s artistic and community-engagement practice, municipal context, collaboration strategy, five to seven work samples and three references. At least three work samples must demonstrate socially engaged or community-based practice, and at least two must be from work conducted in Boston or with Boston communities. The technical and price proposals must be submitted separately.
Deadline and submission
Complete proposals are due January 4, 2027 at 2:00 p.m. Applicants may submit through the City of Boston Supplier Portal by locating event EV00017855, or follow the RFP’s instructions for mail or physical delivery. Late proposals are not considered.
Official information
This article provides a summary. To avoid misunderstandings, please be sure to check the official page for full details.
Information verified: October 18, 2026.
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