Photos provided by BAC, Dominic Chavez and Silvia López Chavez
Written by Brookline Arts Center
The Brookline Arts Center (BAC) is committed to bringing the community meaningful experiences in the arts through classes, exhibitions and outreach. There are so many individiuals and organizations in the Commonwealth coming together and working to create equity in the arts. Working with our partners, we strive to remove barriers to access, regardless of income, ability, background or age.
Creative expression and exploration are vital to the human experience and we deeply believe that art helps individuals reach their full potential. Art also has the unique ability to connect people, build community and celebrate diversity, a growing need in our society and the world.
Through our programs and partnerships, we strive to provide and foster opportunities for ALL to create, experience and share art, contributing to a happy, healthy, creative and equitable Massachussetts.
The BAC is a central hub for visual arts in Brookline. At 56 years old, we serve over 5,000 individuals each year through classes, exhibitions and outreach within and beyond our walls. Located on the border of Brookline and Boston, and neighboring the Fenway, Kenmore and Beacon Street business district and Longwood medical area, we serve many adjacent communities.
Our community outreach program, ARTreach, provides accessible opportunities for all ages, backgrounds and abilities. We have developed and nurtured partnerships with Brookline Food Pantry, Brookline Housing Authority, Brookline Parks and Open Space, Brookline Public Schools, ParentChild+, Women Thriving, Inc. and others to increase access and equity in the arts.
In partnership with Brookline Housing Authority and Brookline Food Pantry, we strive to break down barriers that families living in public housing face. We offer free art programs for residents onsite during BHA events and during pantry hours.
Working with ParentChild+, we offer free art classes for low-income families. Our early childhood classes build fine motor, auditory and observation skills, as well as ignite imagination and cultivate group socialization. Participating with a parent, other families and a skilled teacher engages children in an experience that supports school readiness, love of learning and social and emotional skills. Additionally, we provide over $14,000 in financial aid each year for individuals and families.
Our gallery programs further expand access in the arts. These programs provide opportunities for children and adults alike to view and engage with work from emerging and established artists from Greater Boston and beyond. Last year, we displayed work by over 80 professional and emerging artists, and launched our Echo Trobridge Artist Residency, which provides an opportunity for artists to experiment and grow their body of work with our support. Our gallery programs offer an environment where visitors are invited to experience art outside of the traditional white box setting, allowing for a more welcoming and intimate exploration of the work. Admission to these programs is always free.
We understand the importance of responding to the needs of our community. All of our programs are intentionally connected, allowing for multiple touchpoints and an environment that fosters a lifetime of engagement in the arts.
Connect with Brookline Arts Center at AES2020’s kick-off event at Hibernian Hall on Friday, April 24th. Learn more about the Arts Equity Summit and get tickets here!