The Greenway ARTbeat series brings 50 programs to the urban green space
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In partnership with Greenway Business Improvement District (Greenway BID), the Rose Kennedy Greenway has further developed the Greenway ARTbeat, a season-long series of five public art installations, 50 programs and family-friendly activities in the urban outdoor space.
“The Greenway ARTbeat series is a prime example of our mission to create a welcoming and dynamic public space for all,” said Chris Cook, executive director of the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy. “We invite everyone to come experience the creativity and connection that make The Greenway such a special place.”
A rendering of the installation “Going to Ground,” by LaRissa Rogers, which is currently on view on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. IMAGE: COURTESY ROSE KENNEDY GREENWAY
The five public art installations related to the project include “Big Hoops to Fill” by Ja’Hari Ortega, an interactive swing set made of bamboo hoop earrings; “Far Away, From Home” by Zhidong Zhang, a sculpture composed of illuminated images reflecting on culture, diaspora and queerness; “SONG/LAND/SEA: WAI Water Warning & Binakol Blessing” by Lani Asunción, two large cement and steel sculptures exploring the impact of climate change on Boston’s coastline and related environmental racism; “Going to Ground” by LaRissa Rogers, an interactive house-shaped sculpture paying homage to Zipporah Potter Atkins, the first known Black woman to own a home in Boston; and “your sprit whispering in my ear” by Jeffrey Gibson, a colorful, large-scale mural using Indigenous and contemporary symbols in Dewey Square.
Visitors can view all five installations while strolling the length of the 1.5-mile parkway.
This year the ARTbeat programming has expanded significantly to include live music performances, regular food trucks, pet therapy sessions, multiple beer gardens and kid-focused events like a truck and tractor day when families can interact with different vehicles.
A pop-up series of events called “Celebrating What Unites Us” has been highlighting different cultural communities including Ghana, Ireland and Italy. Visitors can also take tango lessons, meditate in the Armenian Heritage Park and attend children’s story time.
The Greenway fountains, though always a fixture of the park, have been especially enjoyed during the recent heat wave. At the North and South Canal Fountains, Rings Fountain and the Chinatown Stream, big and little kids alike can cool off in the refreshing water.
“As a city, Boston thrives when our public spaces are alive with creativity, beauty and connection,” said Steve Faber, Greenway BID board chair. “By bringing people together for art, music, food and family-friendly activities throughout the week, through support of the Conservancy from BID members, we’re collectively making downtown Boston a place everyone wants to be.”
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