About MOS/OS
The Mattapan Open Streets/ Open Studios (MOS/OS) is a community-engaged arts and design initiative that came out of the critical need for increased local arts and studio space for Mattapan area artists and community cultural engagement. In light of the fact that there are many creative people who live and work in Mattapan with very little access to opportunity and that Mattapan had never had an Open Studios, we decided to turn the concept of Open Studios on its head, and take a step further to transform the neighborhood landscape using artful community development.
Through creative placemaking, we are bringing arts, design, urban planning
and inclusive participatory community engagement together to build
a positive impact in Boston's oldest neighborhood.
Mattapan, a neighborhood in the southern tip of Boston, is a diverse and culturally rich neighborhood with a history critical to the City’s development. Mattapan is a largely low-income, community of color and has struggled, having endured violence, redlining and other stigmas over the decades. Even now, due to the lack of physical pace, Mattapan has never had an Open Studios before.
However, residents have consistently proved resourceful and resilient with a number of civically engaged advocates, artists and organizers who work to sustain the socio-cultural, environmental and physical infrastructure.
Thus the vision for the Mattapan Open Streets/ Open Studios was born! Mattapan Open Streets/Open Studios is much more than a traditional Open Studios because we seek to arts and design to support the wider community and built environment. Together we share in collaborative art interventions and actions to achieve long-term community development goals and uplift the ongoing work of powerful resident leadership.
We organized partner meetings and community charrette-style workshops and collected over 30 projects ideas from residents, artists and designers.
Mattapan Open Streets/Open Studios is an initiative of Powerful Pathways, a non-profit that works in community planning, creative placemaking and social impact design.
Through creative placemaking, we are bringing arts, design, urban planning
and inclusive participatory community engagement together to build
a positive impact in Boston's oldest neighborhood.
Mattapan, a neighborhood in the southern tip of Boston, is a diverse and culturally rich neighborhood with a history critical to the City’s development. Mattapan is a largely low-income, community of color and has struggled, having endured violence, redlining and other stigmas over the decades. Even now, due to the lack of physical pace, Mattapan has never had an Open Studios before.
However, residents have consistently proved resourceful and resilient with a number of civically engaged advocates, artists and organizers who work to sustain the socio-cultural, environmental and physical infrastructure.
Thus the vision for the Mattapan Open Streets/ Open Studios was born! Mattapan Open Streets/Open Studios is much more than a traditional Open Studios because we seek to arts and design to support the wider community and built environment. Together we share in collaborative art interventions and actions to achieve long-term community development goals and uplift the ongoing work of powerful resident leadership.
We organized partner meetings and community charrette-style workshops and collected over 30 projects ideas from residents, artists and designers.
Mattapan Open Streets/Open Studios is an initiative of Powerful Pathways, a non-profit that works in community planning, creative placemaking and social impact design.
Timeline & Process
Late Summer 2015 - Allentza Michel, founder of Powerful Pathways, announces plans to launch Mattapan Open Studios.
Fall 2015 - Organizational Partner recruitment begins.
Winter and Spring 2016 - Multiple meetings, community workshops and artist sessions held.
Summer 2016 - Founder Allentza Michel is accepted into National Creative Community Fellows program with Mattapan Open Studios as the incubated project. Due to extensive research and feedback from community engagements, Mattapan Open Streets component is added.
Winter 2017 - Fellowship completed. Project planning, funder and partner engagement continues.
Spring 2017 - Fundraising ongoing. Wins community crowdfunding competition.
Fall 2017 - Mattapan Open Studios pilot held.
2018-present - Pilot projects and events
Objectives
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The objective of the Mattapan Open Studios/Open Streets (MOS²) is to celebrate and uplift the built and cultural environments of Mattapan using arts and design. Through a series of free and inclusive place-based activities and events, artist exhibits, design projects, performances and small business promotions, we will:
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Structure
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MOS² will take place through three components:
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