The Boston Foundation believes that arts and cultural activities are integral to the educational, economic, and social fabric of the lives of those living in Greater Boston and Massachusetts.  Neighborhoods with lively cultural scenes enhance the lives of those who inhabit them, attract new residents and visitors, restaurants and other businesses— revitalizing and diversifying the community. 

The Commonwealth’s cultural institutions are recognized around the world as an integral part of our civic identity. At the same time, these organizations—from large world-class institutions to small neighborhood-based agencies—struggle for the resources to maintain their facilities, develop new programs, and create and present new work. 

Through the Boston Foundation’s civic leadership, information about the state’s cultural sector and support for its continued vitality have been strengthened.

Learn about the Boston Foundation’s grantmaking priorities in Arts & Culture.

Arts & Culture Spotlight:

Vital Signs: Metro Boston’s Arts and Cultural Nonprofits 1999 and 2004 This Understanding Boston report draws upon fresh data to examine the status and wellbeing of the Arts and Cultural Sector in Greater Boston. At a time when significant economic and demographic changes have had an impact on organizations of all kinds, this report by the Boston Foundation uses consistent metrics to evaluate the health of the sector and identify challenges and opportunities that exist for organizations of all sizes. The report is based on data drawn from IRS reports, which is made available to all through the Boston Foundation’s Boston Indicators project. Learn more »

Indicators-related research: October 21, 2007 Boston Redevleopment Authority Boston's Creative Economy evaluates the size and economic outputs of Boston's creative sector. October 26, 2007 Access the lastest information on local and national arts support through Americans for the Arts. October 26, 2007 Connect to the Boston Indicators Project data on Arts & Culture.		Selected grants: December 14, 2006 Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras December 14, 2006 Institute of Contemporary Art
More Indicators-related research »		More »

  

Recent Arts & Culture Reports:

Vital Signs: Metro Boston’s Arts and Cultural Nonprofits, 1999 and 2004 This Understanding Boston report draws upon fresh data to examine the status and wellbeing of the Arts and Cultural Sector in Greater Boston. At a time when significant economic and demographic changes have had an impact on organizations of all kinds, this report by the Boston Foundation uses consistent metrics to evaluate the health of the sector and identify challenges and opportunities that exist for organizations of all sizes. Read Report

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Arts & Culture Forums:

Culture is Our Common Wealth May 11, 2004 An Action Agenda to Enhance Revenues and Resources for Massachusetts Cultural OrganizationsOn May 11, 2004, the Cultural Task Force released its report, Culture is Our Commonwealth, at the Boston Center for the Arts.  Over 400 people attended the event.Visit the forum website with talking photo galleries where you can listen to all of the presentations and view over 140 photos of the event.

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