Arts + Creativity

Elevating the arts and enabling creative expression to engage and inspire a dynamic, thriving Massachusetts

In a time of enormous disruption and rapid change across our society, the arts and creativity are essential. Great art transforms the way we engage with the world. It brings beauty into our lives. Through creativity we can transcend conventions and generate new ideas, alternatives, and possibilities. Arts and creativity have the power to connect us with each other, to help us understand our dynamic environment, to heal, and to imagine new, better, different futures.
To achieve the goal of a dynamic, thriving Commonwealth, we believe that a central focus on racial equity is required. Massachusetts needs adaptive and relevant organizations with broad public engagement and support.
Barr’s Arts + Creativity program seeks to invest in bold ideas and leaders through three strategies.

A group of dancers wearing yellow perform against brightly painted walls.

RootsUprising, Cambridge Arts via Cambridge Community Foundation

Strategies

Learn about the strategies within the Arts + Creativity program.

Adapting Boldly

Building capacity for artists and the arts field to adapt, take risks, and engage diverse audiences in new ways.
more about this strategy Read More

The Essential Role of the Arts

Recent Grants

The Record Company, Inc.

To strengthen its grants strategy and develop its approach to major donors

Award Date: 04/29/2025
Amount: $80,000
Term: 12 months
Program:
Arts + Creativity Click to see more of the Arts + Creativity program
Strategy:
Adapting Boldly Click to see more of the Adapting Boldly strategy

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City of Boston

To support the City of Boston’s participation in attending the Creative Land Trust Summit to further its department-wide learning and advancement of its charitable impact related to the use of Land Trusts