Mural Call to Artists
Canal District Kendall invites mural artists to submit qualifications to be considered for a $15,000 commission to paint a mural on BioMed Realty’s parking garage vent shaft. The commissioned mural will be located on Broad Canal Way in front of Commonwealth Restaurant in the heart of Kendall Square. This mural will be the latest piece of public art in Canal District Kendall, a full list can be viewed here. We are seeking an artist to bring color and vibrancy to the second and final vent shaft. The first vent shaft was completed by Adam O’Day in Fall 2019.
Canal District Kendall is an award-winning, 10-acre master planned development and community at the heart of one of the world’s most innovative neighborhoods. Just blocks away from MIT and Kendall/MIT red line T stop, the site features BioMed Realty’s world-class office and lab space, beautiful Watermark apartment towers, restaurants and shops all linked together by 2.5 acres of lush, landscaped open space.
Purpose
In March 2020, BMR-Third submitted a letter of commitments and benefits to the City of Cambridge to facilitate and enable BioMed to develop and vitalize the vacant parcel at 585 Third Street. Included in this letter was the commitment to install a second mural by a local artist on the vent shaft located along Broad Canal Way. As the City of Cambridge came to a standstill after the start of the COVID-19 global pandemic, community activities in Canal District Kendall did so as well.
BioMed plans to fulfill this commitment early as a way to keep the arts alive in Canal District Kendall during this unprecedented time. We believe that the surrounding community would benefit from a mural challenge and installation as we begin a “new normal.”
Furthermore, in light of the Black Lives Matter movement and celebrating the culturally rich population of the City of Cambridge, BioMed aims to install a timely and relevant piece of art.
Proposed art should
- Reflect the artist’s interpretation of the theme: “So many call Cambridge home – how does the wealth of diversity in Cambridge enrich the community?”
- Highlight Kendall Square’s culture, creative, and entrepreneurial energy
