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Belonging in Boston: MOIA x Daybreaker Movement and Dance Party

The Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) launched the annual City of Belonging Festival on March 21, 2025, in observance of Immigrant Heritage Month. This event is part of the City of Belonging Festival's official MOIA events.

June 29, 2025
2025-06-29T10:00:07 - 2025-06-29T13:00:07

Join us for a morning yoga and dance event to celebrate the end of June and Immigrant Heritage Month. 

Everyone is welcome to attend,

tickets can be purchased online.

June 29, 2025
2025-06-29T10:00:07 - 2025-06-29T13:00:07
Last updated:

Belonging in Boston: MOIA x SoFar Community Concert

The Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) launched the annual City of Belonging Festival on March 21, 2025, in observance of Immigrant Heritage Month. This event is part of the City of Belonging Festival's official MOIA events.

June 12, 2025
2025-06-12T17:30:07 - 2025-06-12T19:00:07

Join us for a special community concert in partnership with SoFar Sounds. We’re celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month. The artists for this special concert will be diverse, and food is included with your ticket. Guests can also sign up to participate in an Open Mic portion of the program.

Refreshments and food will be provided. Everyone is welcome to attend, registration is requested. Free tickets are limited, if you are unable to attend, please notify us as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to others who wish to join. 

 

 

June 12, 2025
2025-06-12T17:30:07 - 2025-06-12T19:00:07
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"We Were Here Too" Artist Talk

 The Un-monument | Re-monument | De-monument: Transforming Boston Programming

May 28, 2025
2025-05-28T17:30:53 - 2025-05-28T19:00:53

We Were Here Too Flyer by Roberto Mighty

We Were Here Too by Roberto Mighty, in partnership with the Freedom Trail® Foundation and Old North Illuminated, revives the memory of Boston’s colonial African-Americans, many of whom lived and worked in what is today’s North End. The project can be experienced worldwide via an online multimedia website, and locally via augmented reality in Copp’s Hill Burying Ground

Please join us for an artist talk on Wednesday May 28, 2025 at 5:30pm at the historic Old North Church, hosted by Old North Illuminated. Events are free, but accommodations are limited, so please sign up as soon as possible with the links above. Light refreshments will be provided. This project is funded by the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture’s Un-Monument Initiative and The Mellon Foundation. 

This innovative project honors the lives of colonial-era African Americans in Boston’s North End—many of whom were interred, or are believed to have been buried, at Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, established in 1659 and recognized as Boston’s largest colonial cemetery.

This project honors historical figures, including Phillis Wheatley Peters, in 1773 the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry; Prince Hall, an abolitionist who fought in the Revolutionary War and founded Prince Hall Masonry; and Onesimus, an African who was instrumental in bringing knowledge of smallpox inoculation to America.

Blending history with technology, We Were Here Too invites the public to engage with a layered storytelling experience. The project features augmented reality, video interviews with historians and community voices, digital illustrations, archival images, voice performances, and historical content drawn from museum collections and archives around the world.

Roberto says, “I hope folks will experience this exhibit and learn that African Americans – free and enslaved – were living and working in Boston at the same time as Paul Revere, Abigail Adams and John Hancock. We were here, too.”

Funded by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture through a grant from the Mellon Foundation, “We Were Here Too” is presented in partnership with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, The Historic Burying Grounds Initiative, the Freedom Trail® Foundation and Old North Illuminated.

May 28, 2025
2025-05-28T17:30:53 - 2025-05-28T19:00:53
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City of Belonging Festival

The Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) announced the launch of the annual City of Belonging Festival in observance of Immigrant Heritage Month with the unveiling of the You Belong Here banners at City Hall’s Mezzanine Gallery. 

May 21, 2025
2025-05-21T13:00:07 - 2025-05-21T15:00:07

The large-format banners will hang in the Mezzanine until July 18. After this, they will be displayed at different locations for a You Belong Here banner tour to continue spreading the message of belonging across the city for the remainder of 2025. MOIA welcomes community requests for displays. 

The gallery launch will take place on May 21 at 1 p.m. and include food, photos, and a speaking program. The event is open to the public, but registration is requested.

MOIA designated 2025 as the Year of Belonging with the You Belong Here campaign to integrate its goals of creating a more inclusive Boston while addressing pressing challenges, such as public sentiment and policy shifts on immigration. The campaign supports immigrant communities through grants, empowers resilience with morale-boosting messaging, and inspires action through events. The campaign aims to ensure Boston remains a community where residents feel welcomed, respected, and valued, regardless of background. This awareness campaign prioritizes diversity, equity, and social cohesion for residents across Boston’s neighborhoods, sharing one message, “You Belong Here,”  in the city’s 12 main languages. 

The large-scale banners are also in these languages, and the campaign design has already been featured in digital billboards across the city, most recently at Opening Day in Fenway Park.

May 21, 2025
2025-05-21T13:00:07 - 2025-05-21T15:00:07
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Celebrate! with Benkadi Drum and Dance

The multicultural Benkadi Drum and Dance group returns to perform new dances showcasing traditional West African rhythms and movements. With vivid costumes, interpretive dance, and audience participation, join us in honor of Juneteenth!

June 14, 2025
2025-06-14T10:30:52 - 2025-06-14T11:30:52

Children are seated on a carpeted floor with their caretakers and space is available on a first come, first served basis. Additional seats are available for people with disabilities, seniors, and others unable to sit on the floor. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

This is an inclusive program and both people with and without disabilities are always welcomed. A Flexible Calming Space (Quiet Room) is available for anyone who needs a break from the program at any time, especially those who are experiencing sensory overload. Parking is free at the JFK Library.

The JFK Library takes the safety and security of all guests, staff, and visitors seriously. To make your experience safe and enjoyable, upon entry to this federal building, all visitors must pass through a security check with a metal detector. All bags will also be inspected by Security Officers. Visit our website for more details.

The Celebrate! series, appropriate for family audiences and children ages 5 and up, highlights America’s rich cultural diversity through the arts. This program is tied directly to President and Mrs. Kennedy's concern for and support of the arts and culture in a democratic society.

Thanks to generous support from the Martin Richard Foundation and the Mass Cultural Council all performances are free.

June 14, 2025
2025-06-14T10:30:52 - 2025-06-14T11:30:52
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Colonial Dance Tunes and Love Songs

In the guise of itinerant musicians, Al Petty and Deirdre Sweeney perform popular 18th-century tunes such as “Mr. Isaac’s Maggot” and “Jack’s Health” on the penny whistle, flute, fife, and other instruments.

May 6, 2025
2025-05-06T16:21:35
May 6, 2025
2025-05-06T16:21:35
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The Art of Spinning

May 17, 2025
2025-05-17T13:00:42 - 2025-05-17T15:00:42

The art of spinning is best learned by the young, and Zoe Lawson has been practicing the craft of spinning by drop spindle and on a wheel since childhood. She shares her techniques while in 18th century garb while illuminating the various methods colonists used to produce their own textiles.

May 17, 2025
2025-05-17T13:00:42 - 2025-05-17T15:00:42
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Celebrate! with Tanglewood Marionettes — “The Dragon King”

Journey below the sea in this story of fantasy, courage, and wonder from Chinese folklore. Tanglewood Marionettes bring to life fantastic sea creatures and a fearless grandmother who goes in search of the Dragon King when things go amiss in the land above.

May 10, 2025
2025-05-10T10:30:07 - 2025-05-10T11:30:07

Children are seated on a carpeted floor with their caretakers and space is available on a first come, first served basis. Additional seats are available for people with disabilities, seniors, and others unable to sit on the floor. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

This is an inclusive program and both people with and without disabilities are always welcomed. A Flexible Calming Space (Quiet Room) is available for anyone who needs a break from the program at any time, especially those who are experiencing sensory overload. Parking is free at the JFK Library.

The JFK Library takes the safety and security of all guests, staff, and visitors seriously. To make your experience safe and enjoyable, upon entry to this federal building, all visitors must pass through a security check with a metal detector. All bags will also be inspected by Security Officers. Visit our website for more details.

The Celebrate! series, appropriate for family audiences and children ages 5 and up, highlights America’s rich cultural diversity through the arts. This program is tied directly to President and Mrs. Kennedy's concern for and support of the arts and culture in a democratic society.

Thanks to generous support from the Martin Richard Foundation and the Mass Cultural Council all performances are free.

May 10, 2025
2025-05-10T10:30:07 - 2025-05-10T11:30:07
Last updated:

"Ways of Making People Disappear" Gallery Reception

Please join us for the reception of "Ways of Making People Disappear," a solo exhibition by Michelle Schapiro.

June 5, 2025
  • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Posted:
2025-06-05T17:00:14 - 2025-06-05T19:00:14

Join us at Boston City Hall for the reception of Ways of Making People Disappear, a solo exhibition by Michelle Schapiro, that explores the lack of safety that the LGBTQIA+ community experiences in America.

Michelle Schapiro, Kayleigh, Making a Grass Angel (Diptych), 24 x 30 in., Archival Digital Print, Edition of 3 (plus 1 Artist Proof), 2023.
Michelle Schapiro, Kayleigh, Making a Grass Angel (Diptych), 24 x 30 in., Archival Digital Print, Edition of 3 (plus 1 Artist Proof), 2023.

Directions: Please use the entrance located on Congress St, across from Faneuil Hall. Pass security and take the elevators to the 8th floor. The Emerging Gallery will be to your left, in the hallway by room 817.

This exhibition will be on view through July 18th, 2025. For more information please visit boston.gov/cityhallgalleries

June 5, 2025
  • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Posted:
2025-06-05T17:00:14 - 2025-06-05T19:00:14
Last updated:

"Special Focus: Self Portraits" ICA Teens Gallery Reception

Please join us for the Opening Reception of Special Focus: Self Portraits, a group show by the ICA Teens!

May 15, 2025
  • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Posted:
2025-05-15T17:00:28 - 2025-05-15T19:00:28

Join us at Boston City Hall for the Opening Reception of Special Focus: Self Portraits, a group show by the ICA Teens. Stop by to celebrate the show and meet the artists! Light refreshments will be provided.

Joy Wei, Self-portrait, Digital Inkjet Print, 18 x 12in., 2025
Joy Wei, Self-portrait, Digital Inkjet Print, 18 x 12in., 2025

Directions: Please use the entrance located on Congress St, across from Faneuil Hall. Pass security and take the elevators to the 2nd floor. The Mayor's Neighborhood Gallery will be to your left.

This exhibition will be on view through July 18th, 2025. For more information please visit boston.gov/cityhallgalleries

May 15, 2025
  • 5:00pm - 7:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Citywide
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Posted:
2025-05-15T17:00:28 - 2025-05-15T19:00:28
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