The Community Arts Initiative's "The Artist Project" invites experienced artists with a passion for community engagement to collaborate with the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston and twelve local after-school organizations. Through this program, the selected Lead Artist works with children aged six to twelve to create a collaborative art piece inspired by the Museum's encyclopedic collection. The final artwork will be exhibited in the Edward H. Linde Gallery within the Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art at the MFA.

The selected Lead Artist receives a stipend of $50,000 and a $5,000 materials budget. Responsibilities include planning and leading sessions with community groups and working closely with MFA staff and collections. The artist will guide children through the creative process, ensuring the final piece reflects both the artist’s style and the children’s input. Recognition for the artist will be featured in exhibition materials, postcards, and the MFA website.

Applications are due by January 17, 2025, and must be submitted online through Submittable. Final candidates will be notified by March 21, 2025. The project involves initial planning meetings in July 2025, followed by collaborative sessions between October 2025 and April 2026. Installation of the completed artwork will occur in April or May 2026, with the exhibition opening in May 2026.

Eligibility is open to experienced artists capable of managing large-scale projects and engaging diverse community groups. Applications will be judged on engagement, creativity, feasibility, clarity, and flexibility. Judges will evaluate how well the artist integrates the MFA’s collections, engages participants through innovative methods, and accommodates the needs of after-school programs.

Finalists are selected by a panel including MFA staff, community art directors, and art educators. For more information, potential applicants can attend an online information session on January 4, 2025, or email artistproject@mfa.org.