City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant

Our office closes at 5:00PM that day and we will not be able to help you with submission issues after that time. Please try to submit your application as early as you can to avoid last minute issues and technical difficulties. Print applications must be received in-person at our office or by mail no later than April 3, 2026 at 5PM.
As the epicenter of the City of Boston, City Hall Plaza is a place where residents, visitors, and newcomers can participate in arts and cultural events. In response to the ongoing impacts of space inequity and the loss of cultural venues across Boston, the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture (MOAC) will provide grants to support programs and events at City Hall Plaza. Through the City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant, MOAC aims to highlight culturally responsive programming that uplifts Boston's diverse communities while repositioning City Hall Plaza as a site for creative growth, capacity-building, and civic belonging.
City Hall Plaza, formerly known as Scollay Square was once a thriving community intersection filled with artists, activists, sports legends, and cultural venues. Following a redevelopment in the 1950s, many people were left without spaces to gather, work, or create. Today, many organizations and artists continue to experience similar impacts contributing to artist displacement and the downsizing of programs that once served communities across the city.
Through the City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant, MOAC aims to highlight culturally responsive programming that uplifts Boston's diverse communities while repositioning City Hall Plaza as a site for creative growth, capacity-building, and civic belonging.
Funding Structure
Tier One:
$15,000 or lessBudgets under $15,000 will fund programmatic costs, such as performing artists fees, photographers/videographers, graphic designers and social media campaigns
Tier Two:
$15,000-$30,000Budgets over $15,000 will fund programmatic costs listed in tier one as well as additional partnerships, contractors or production companies during the planning and development stages.
Tier Three:
$30,000-60,000Budgets above $30,000 will fund general programming costs listed in tier one as well as production costs of small to medium size festivals, a recurring series of programs, or cultural markets.
Tier Four
$60,000-$100,000Budgets above $60,000 will fund programmatic costs of tier three as well as programs that require larger scale production or a standing residency on the plaza with events offered throughout the year. This tier must also include a partnership with a production company as well as individual artists to collaborate during the planning, development, or production stages. No more than two applicants will be awarded grants in Tier Four.

Eligibility

Applicants must be an individual, non-profit organization, collective, or fiscally sponsored group working in partnership with community partners.