Public Art Accelerator
Ushering in a cohort of artists shaping Boston’s public space
The Triennial’s Public Art Accelerator is a skill-building and grant-funding program that supports early-to-mid-career Boston-based artists in creating temporary public art projects in neighborhoods across the city.
Launched in 2017, the Accelerator has prepared more than 35 artists, providing over $1 million in direct funding to artists to bring their ideas to life in public — building a stronger, more equitable creative ecosystem for Boston. Through workshops, mentorship, and production support, artists gain the tools and confidence to create impactful, site-specific works that invite community connection. Over eight iterations of the program, artists’ projects have been collected by museums or permanently relocated, while alumni continue to teach in the field, earn numerous grants and accolades, and develop ambitious projects across the region—including two commissioned into Triennial 2025.
During Triennial exhibition years (2025, 2028), an advanced version of the Public Art Accelerator program enables more experienced local artists to create new installations at a greater scale.
TRIENNIAL ACCELERATOR 2027-2028
Triennial 2028 Accelerator
Open Call Application
Applications open until Sunday, December 20th 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
ACCELERATOR ARTISTS
Meet Cohort 9
We’re pleased to introduce Cohort 9, who began the Public Art Accelerator program in October 2026.
Erik DeLuca (he | him)
Luis Arnías (he | him)
Ngoc-Tran Vu (she | her)
Kate Conlon (she | her)
COHORT 8
Previous Cohort
Jane D. Marsching
Jane D. Marsching (she | her) is an interdisciplinary artist whose collaborative, research-based practice explores ecology, climate activism, and social change. Through projects that connect art, environment, and community, she creates opportunities to imagine a more just and sustainable future.
crystal bi
crystal bi (she | they) is an interdisciplinary artist and educator whose participatory public projects explore imagination, belonging, and creative archiving. Through interactive sculptures and community rituals, they invite others to dream and design new ways of remembering and envisioning in public space.
Cara Michell
Cara Michell (she | her) is an artist, urban planner, and educator whose work merges creative practice and community participation. Through mapping, collaboration, and participatory design, she reimagines public space as a platform for collective storytelling and belonging.
Garrett Gould
Garrett Gould (he | him) is a sculptor and educator whose carved wooden forms subvert familiar objects to challenge perception and function. His work blends humor and craftsmanship, inviting viewers to reconsider their relationships with the everyday materials that shape their world.
ACCELERATOR ALUMNI
ACCELERATOR SUPPORTERS
The Public Art Accelerator is possible thanks to the generosity and leadership of Joyce Linde, who supported the 3-year pilot program. The Linde Family Foundation is joined by James and Audrey Foster, as well as others who believe that the work of local artists, especially artists of color and those underrepresented in traditional art systems, belongs in public space.
Join other Catalyst Circle members in supporting the Accelerator. You can support the Public Art Accelerator with a charitable gift today.