In a first-of-its kind celebration of dynamic, free public art experiences, MassArt and MassArt Art Museum (MAAM) will take center stage in the Boston Public Art Triennial. MAAM has commissioned work by Triennial artist and Alaska-native Nicholas Galanin, whose world-renowned artwork ignites urgent conversations about identity and history.

The Triennial officially opens on May 22 at 11:30am at MAAM with a public unveiling of Galanin’s striking new installation, I think it goes like this (pick yourself up).

Over at MAAM on May 22 at 6pm, the celebration continues Twilight at MAAM: Community Celebration! Take a first look at Galanin’s Aáni yéi xat duwasáakw (I am called Land), a kinetic sculpture and video installation, inviting viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of land, culture, and humanity.

Opening week celebration continue with special events featuring MassArt-affiliated artists, including Curator Tess Lukey, BFA ‘16, Triennial Accelerator artists Andy Li, BFA ‘12 and Evelyn Rydz (Studio Foundation Chair), Gabriel Sosa (Art Education faculty), Stephen Hamilton, BFA ‘09 (Illustration faculty).  

Find more information about the Triennial and MassArt’s involvement here.

Thursday, May 22

+ 11:30 AM—12:30 PM — Boston Public Art Triennial: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at MAAM

+ 2 PM — Let’s Talk: The Exchange at Roxbury Community College

+ 6—8 PM — Twilight at MAAM: Community Celebration!
Celebrate the strength of Greater Boston’s arts community with Boston Public Art Triennial, Wagner Foundation, and MAAM. Come toast more—increased arts access, greater recognition of mid-career artists, and stronger connections across our creative communities.

Friday, May 23

+ All Day—Explore the Triennial
All installations are open and Public Art Ambassadors (PAAs) are on-site from 11 AM to 5 PM at each installation to guide your visit. Start your journey at the Visitor Hub, 400 Newbury Street with the Triennial Team and free opening week giveaways!

Saturday, May 24

+ 12:00 PM—6:00 PM—Ñ Press Opening Workshop at Maverick Landing Community Services
East Boston—31 Liverpool Street in East Boston
Celebrate storytelling, publishing, and community with Ñ Press at this hands-on opening event. Join MassArt faculty member Gabriel Sosa and his studio assistants at N Press for their first risograph printing press workshop.  N Press will be run by Sosa and his assistants throughout the Triennial with open hours from 12PM - 6PM every Saturday. No registration needed. 

+ 2:00 PM—Lot Lab Celebration
Charlestown—One 5th St, Boston, MA 02129
Experience Lot Lab’s transformation of public space through art, music, and community gathering. Celebrate the Triennial Accelerator artists: Alison Croney Moses, MassArt alum Andy Li '12 , and Studio Foundation Chair Evelyn Rydz.  The festivities run from 2-4pm and will center around a flag-raising ceremony of Andy Li's installation Today Is The Day. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy other interactive activities and explore the Triennial sites at Lot Lab throughout the afternoon. 

+ All Day—Triennial at Full Speed
Continue exploring installations across the city and visit the Hub for your opening week giveaway.

Sunday, May 25

+ All Day
All sites are open and staffed with PAAs. Spend the day seeing something new or revisiting your favorite work!

Monday, May 26—Memorial Day

+ All Day—Final Day of Opening Week
Spend your holiday with public art! Sites are open across all six neighborhoods, with giveaways still available at the Hub.

+ 10:00 AM—5:00 PM — Memorial Day Open House
Start your summer off right at our annual Memorial Day Open House. This year, the MFA offers free admission—including access to the special exhibition “Van Gogh: The Roulin Family Portraits”—for Massachusetts residents. Enjoy music, dance, art making, and more!