City of Boston Funding Update

 

The Funding Update To Subscribe to The Funding Update, scroll down to the FUNDING tab here. Back issues with open deadlines are also listed there.   FEDERAL GRANTS Department of Commerce, 10/12/2021 The STEM Talent Challenge seeks to develop or expand regional workforce capacity to support high-growth, high-wage entrepreneurial ventures and industries of the future. Max award: $250,000 over 2 years, with a required dollar-for-dollar match. AmeriCorps, 11/8/2021 Grants will support the recruitment, training, and development of a new generation of public health leaders and provide pathways to public health-related careers. Funding will be provided under cost-reimbursement contracts. The maximum Member Service Year cost is $28,800. National Institutes of Health, 11/9/2021 to 12/10/2021 AWARE grants will support research that combines epidemiologic methods, digital technology, and data science approaches to better understand HIV prevention, transmission, and early care-cascade points for women living in the US. R01: Clinical Trial Optional. NIH estimates funding 3-5 awards for a maximum of 5 years. Institute for Museum & Library Sciences, 11/15/2021 Museums for America grants support projects that strengthen their ability to serve their public. Project categories include lifelong learning, community engagement, and collections stewardship and access. Grants range from $5,000 to $250,000 over 3 years. STATE GRANTS Department of Housing & Community Development, 10/1/2021 The Baker-Polito Administration has proposed the creation of a $5M fund to create Permanent Supported Housing that can be used to create pathways out of homelessness for individuals in shelters. DHCD seeks public input to help define funding priorities. A listening session is scheduled for 9/15/2021. New This Week:  Department of Children & Families, 9/28/2021 DCF has re-opened the RFR for Legal Services & Education Advocacy to identify qualified providers who can provide sufficient geographic coverage to meet DCF's statewide needs. Department of Conservation and Recreation, 10/1/2021 to 11/1/2021 Matching grants of $1,000 to $30,000 will support urban and community forestry efforts. Local tree departments and citizen tree groups are specifically encouraged to apply. Department of Housing & Community Development. 12/9/2021 DHCD will work with CEDAC to make federal Housing Trust Fund and Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program funds available for priority populations. Support service funds may be attached to the MRVP vouchers. Projects intended to serve homeless families will have high priority. Projects must be ready to proceed.   CITY GRANTS Office of Economic Development - BEGINNING 9/8/2021 Grants from Small Business Relief Fund 2.0 are available in two categories. A Relief Grant will provide up to $10,000 to support outstanding debts for rent or mortgage, inventory, payroll, and/or fixed expenses. A Growth Grant will provide up to $10,000 to support business growth through tools, technology, materials, personnel, or other costs associated with investing in the growth of the business. Offices of Economic Development and Workforce Development, BEGINNING 9/8/2021 In this 3-month pilot, Restaurant Revitalization Grants will provide three levels of support: 1) All restaurants are eligible for $5,000 to cover any business-related expense. 2) Restaurants that have tipped employees are eligible to receive a $15,000 grant if they meet certain requirements. 3) At the end of the pilot, this grant will also provide a) a retention bonus of $900 per worker and 100 B-Local Points for each month, and b) employees will be eligible for free tuition towards their Associate’s degree at specific RCC, BFIT and BHCC. Office of Food Access, 9/17/21 Community grants are available in two categories: 1) Safety Net De-stigmatization and Outreach and 2) Equity in Food Access. Environment Department, 9/24/2021 Community Clean Air grants support efforts to 1) eliminate or otherwise address point sources of air pollution within Boston; 2) mitigate the negative health impacts of air pollution emissions within Boston; 3) enhance the ability to improve air quality in Boston communities; and 4) have a measurable impact on air quality or carbon emissions within Boston. Partnership applications are encouraged. Awards will generally max out at $50,000. Office of Arts & Culture, 10/152021 Grants are available in two categories: Boston Cultural Council Organizational Grants provide general operating support in the range of $2,000 to $5,000, based on the organization’s budget. The Reopen Creative Boston Fund provides grants of up to $50,000 to cover costs for reopening and restarting programs. Boston Local Development Corporation, Open  Loans are available for small businesses in Boston to be used for working capital, equipment, utilities, expansion, and other business needs. Terms are flexible and there are no prepayment penalties. Loans range from $10,000 to $150,000. New This Week:  Boston Police Department, 9/30/2021 Shannon Community Safety Initiative grants support regional and multi-disciplinary approaches to combat gang and youth violence through coordinated prevention and intervention, law enforcement, prosecution, and reintegration programs. Minimum 25% match is required. Office of Economic Development, 10/1/2021 Seeking a firm or consultants to provide a broad range of technical assistance services to cannabis equity applicants. Select EV00009089. Boston Public Schools, 10/5/2021 Requesting qualifications for House Doctor services. Scope of Work includes: investigating, evaluating, and preparing certifiable assessments, studies and/or final design and construction administration services for new construction, renovation, alteration, modernization, and/or additions to various facilities and sites. Environment Department, 10/15/2021 Requesting proposals for training and job placement services to connect Boston residents to green job and mobility job opportunities. Treasury Department, 10/22/2021 Requesting proposals from qualified firms with demonstrated experience in strategic planning with respect to the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act. FOUNDATION GRANTS The 1954 Project, 9/20/2021 Seeking to radically redesign how philanthropy connects with diverse Black leaders in education by providing those leaders with ample, flexible support, the Luminary Award will provide 5 Black leaders of nonprofit educational organizations with a grant of $1M over 3 years. Focus areas include Economic Mobility, Diversity in Education, and Innovation in Teaching & Learning. Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, 9/24/2021 Signature Grants support replicable initiatives and projects that have the potential to improve the quality of everyday life for people and families affected by autism. The funding priority for this cycle is alleviating financial distress. The application process begins with a letter of inquiry. Barr Foundation, 10/1/2021 New England school districts can apply for a landscape analysis to help understand and improve the diversity of their educator workforces. Over the course of 8 months, grantees will partner with a national nonprofit to better understand their current talent landscape and identify opportunities to recruit and retain more teachers of color. Herb Block Foundation, 10/6/2021 Defending Basic Freedoms grants support nonprofit organizations nationwide that seek to safeguard the basic freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights, to help eliminate prejudice and discrimination, and to assist government agencies to be more accountable to the public. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000. The application process begins with a letter of inquiry. National Park Trust, 10/6/2021 Every Kid Outdoors Transportation Grants (up to $5,000) support nonprofits and schools that are connecting elementary students to public lands.  Sparkplug Foundation, 10/11/2021 Funding priorities: Education, Community Organizing, Music. Grants go to start-up nonprofits or new projects of established nonprofits. Grants range from $1,000 to $20,000. Discover Financial Services, Open Funding focus: Education.  The Yawkey Foundation, Open Funding priorities: Health Care, Education, Human Services, Youth and Amateur Athletics, Arts and Culture, and Conservation and Wildlife. The Foundation reviews initial proposals to determine whether applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.   THE RESOURCE TABLE Foreclosure Prevention Fund An Eviction Moratorium is currently in effect in Boston. Homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments will be able to apply for the Foreclosure Prevention Fund. The Boston Home Center offers a wide variety of resources to renters and property owners. Small Business Financial Assistance The COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan provides up to $15,000 in funding from SBA that does not need to be repaid.  2020 Census Research Courtesy of Boston Planning & Development Agency Research Division COVID-19: Help for Boston Residents Resource listings for food, technology, health, housing, and more. Map of Food Resources in Boston Emergency Broadband Benefit Families and households that struggle to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic, can get connected to jobs, healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and more. Households may qualify for either a $50/monthly service credit or a $100 allowance toward a computer or tablet.  Apply online or contact a local broadband service provider. Housing Search Workshop Courtesy of Boston Center for independent Living Do you need data for a grant application? Check out our Resource page for blogs, reports, daily updates, and more. Can’t see the email? Display this email in your browser Boston City Hall, 1 City Hall Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02201, United States Hours Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

Janey's Team: Campbell's Super PAC want to privatize Public School

BETTER BOSTON — THE ANDREA CAMPBELL-SUPPORTING SUPER PAC — IS FUNDED BY DARK-MONEY DONORS WHO WANT TO PRIVATIZE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Key Point: Andrea Campbell’s campaign is being supported by dark-money donors who want to privatize our public schools.  

Meanwhile, Mayor Janey has the support of hotel workers, including UNITE HERE Local 26, and the “Hospitality Workers Independent Expenditure” (HWIE) PAC. The chair of HWIE is Richard “Richie” Aliferes, a doorman at the Omni Parker House hotel in downtown Boston.

Background: As reported in the Boston Globe:

“Mayoral candidate and City Councilor Andrea Campbell is the beneficiary of the first ads, set to begin appearing on Facebook and YouTube, through an independent expenditure political action committee called Better Boston...

The top donors include:

* Reed Hastings, the Boston-born cofounder and CEO of Netflix and a charter school advocate who contributed $12,000 to a 2009 effort to expand charter schools in 2009 in Massachusetts.

* Stephanie Spector, a supporter of several charter schools with her husband, Brian, an investor who contributed $40,000 to a ballot campaign to expand charter schools in Massachusetts in 2016.

* Andrew Balson, manager of the private equity firm Cove Hill Partners, who contributed $500,000 to two committees advocating for the charter ballot question in 2016.”

In addition, according to OCPF, billionaire Walmart heir and charter school advocate Jim Walton contributed $45,000 to the Better Boston.  

A statement from the HWIE PAC, per reporting from Gintautas Dumcius, of the Dorchester Reporter:

“Working people are used to being praised on Labor Day and chastised the next day for using their voice and speaking the truth. Andrea Campbell worked for notorious anti-union “lockout lawyer” law firm Proskauer Rose. Her campaign is supported by a Super PAC dripping in donations from those who want to take money out of BPS schools. Compare that to Kim Janey’s campaign that is supported by hotel workers, jaitors, and Stop & Shop workers. That is the issue here.”

中華耆英會9/13放映影片 - 獻給我們的祖先

MAYOR JANEY LAUNCHES TOOLS TO ENHANCE SUPPLIER DIVERSITY FOR THE CITY OF BOSTON

MAYOR JANEY LAUNCHES TOOLS TO ENHANCE SUPPLIER DIVERSITY FOR THE CITY OF BOSTON

 

BOSTON - Thursday, September 9, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey on Wednesday launched the first in a series of tools to make it easier for diverse vendors to do business with the City of Boston. These innovations and reforms help build capacity, increase transparency, reduce barriers, and make it easier for the City and public and private sector partners to find woman and minority-owned businesses.  “I am excited to introduce a suite of new tools to help minority-owned business enterprises thrive,” said Mayor Janey. “I believe entrepreneurship is a proven pathway to wealth creation. As Mayor of Boston, I am committed to supporting projects that unlock opportunity for entrepreneurs of color and close our racial wealth gap.” The newest procurement tools are as follows:  Streamlined Minority Business Enterprise certification process: The City has transformed the process for firms to secure MBE certification from a 9-page paper application to a 3-page online form.  New City of Boston first Buying Plan: The City has published its first Buying Plan, outlining more than $65 million in planned City of Boston purchases. This forecast gives smaller firms, including MBEs, valuable lead time to secure additional equipment or staff to prepare a large bid. New Statewide MBE-Certified business directory: The City has launched the first combined database of over 4,000 firms with MBE certification from the City of Boston or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Mayor Janey announced the new tools for the procurement process at a ribbon cutting for the Omni Boston at the Seaport. Guided by MassPort’s pioneering procurement model, this hotel project brought minority business enterprises together with other firms to provide services ranging from general contracting to architectural design. With the introduction of these new procurement tools, Boston will further advance projects with similar equity goals. Previously, through the Boston Contracting Opportunity Fund, the City awarded $820,000 in grant funding to 56 Boston-based businesses to support expanding their capacity to contract with the City of Boston. The Boston Contracting Opportunity Fund was launched in April to assist diverse, local businesses working in construction, building and design, professional and support services, and goods and supplies. The goal of the Fund is to increase the quantity and availability of Certified Businesses through granted monetary assistance to help entities access City-contracted projects. Of the 56 businesses awarded, 81 percent are owned by a person of color and 33 percent are owned by a woman, with locations across Boston’s neighborhoods, including Dorchester, Roxbury, South Boston, South End, Mattapan, and Roslindale, among others. Throughout this funding round, 39 entities applied for certification as minority-owned (MBE) or woman-owned (WBE) businesses. Mayor Janey announced the Boston Contracting Opportunity Fund in April as part of several new supplier diversity initiatives to address equity in City contracting. Capacity building was one of the needs identified by the Disparity Study in order to increase the availability of diverse businesses ready to compete for City contracts. The Supplier Diversity program was established in 2021 following the completion of the City’s Disparity Study. The program creates fair and equitable access to City contracting opportunities through developing inclusive procurement practices, monitoring City contracts, providing technical assistance, offering business certification and connecting minority and woman-owned businesses to current and future contracting opportunities. For more information about the City’s efforts to foster an inclusive economy in Boston, visit here.

吳弭、Kim Janey 角逐波士頓市長 同日分北南兩端搬眾議員站台

Jon Santiago支持Kim Janey  

麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)撐吳弭(Michelle Wu)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導) 已退出波士頓市長選戰的麻州眾議員Jon Santiago於9月8日一早，在南端 (South End) 宣佈支持Kim Janey當下屆波士頓市長。原本支持Jon Santiago參選市長的麻州眾議員麥家威 (Aaron Michlewitz) 於同日下午，在北端 (North End) 宣佈支持吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 當波士頓市長。

麻州眾議員Jon Santiago支持Kim Janey。(Kim Janey競選團隊提供)

本身是急診室醫生的拉丁裔現任麻州眾議員Jon Santiago，從宣佈參選以來，民調一直低迷，掛在倒數第二名那兒。他的競選經費籌措也一直不理想。7月份時他說，態勢看來很明顯，波士頓市民正朝著選出一名女市長方向前進，他決定退出選舉。

9月8日一早，他在南端的Villa Victoria，公開支持Kim Janey，聲稱他和Kim Janey都長期支持教育，而且都在他們的工作生涯中，花很多時間做政治以外的事。他認為Kim Janey有無窮盡的熱情，決心與能力，而且帶領波士頓在新冠疫情中讓70%以上居民接種了至少1劑疫苗，也在對抗Delta變種病毒上，採許了很大膽的做法。

在對抗住房危機上，Kim Janey也經由同情與解決問題的能力，拿出了成績。而且她致力要把波士頓變成一個公平正義的城市。他期待著在未來四年和Kim Janey合作。

原本支持Jon Santiago的麻州眾議員兼財政委員會主席麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)和吳弭其實早在她當選波士頓市議員之前，就已認識，也經常同時出現在波士頓華埠活動中。當同為眾議員的同袍退選後，9月8日中午，他在有波士頓小義大利之稱的北端，站在保羅里維爾(Paul Revere)雕像前宣佈，支持吳弭當波士頓市長。

麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)支持吳弭(Michelle Wu)。(吳弭競選陣營提供)

麥家威說，「和吳弭認識這麼多年，我知道她是我可以信任的人」。他們一起為如何更好的服務波士頓居民做公開，有建設性的對話。雖然他們並不總是同意彼此的看法，但一直互相尊重。

吳弭當年從學校畢業後，曾在北端居住，後來才和母親及妹妹搬到南端，婚後再搬到羅森岱爾。

麥家威半開玩笑的說，吳弭對北端，和他一樣熟，都知道北端居民日常面對著那些挑戰。麥家威稱許吳弭在市府層級，帶領阻擋Airbnb等短期出租業佔據房源的行動，並且和州議會合作，制定了遏阻貪心投資家的法案

麥家威所代表的地區包括華埠和北端，轄區包括北端和東波士頓的波士頓市議員Lydai Edwards，也早已公開支持吳弭。

今年的波士頓市長選舉，有如一場參選者勢均力敵的選舉，候選人各有長處，也各有不同的基本支持者。Kim Janey和Andrea Campbell，以及John Barros因同為黑人，分散了票源，他們三人之間的競爭也似乎更激烈些。

這幾名波士頓市長候選人中的前四人，都是波士頓市現任市議員，其中Kim Janey還兼任代市長。John Barros則是波士頓經濟發展長，為專心參選波士頓市長而辭職。

在波士頓環球報和薩福克大學(Suffolk)做的最新一份民調中，吳弭(Michelle Wu)的支持率，再向上攀升，高達31%。Kim Janey遙追其後20%，其次為Annissa Essaibi George的19%，Andrea Campbell的17.8%，John Barros的3%。

AG HEALEY ISSUES STATEMENT ON DOJ CHALLENGE OF TEXAS ABORTION BAN

 AG Healey ISSUES STATEMENT ON DOJ CHALLENGE OF TEXAS ABORTION BAN

BOSTON — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s challenge of Texas’ new restrictions on abortion, which went into effect last week:

“I commend Attorney General Garland for taking swift, decisive action in protecting access to safe, legal abortion in Texas. It is not hyperbolic to say that lives hang in the balance while Texas’ abortion ban remains in effect. We cannot allow vulnerable patients to be turned away from health centers, forced into pregnancy, or denied this life-saving and life-changing care. Abortion is health care, and it is the key to self-determination for millions of Americans. We cannot rest until all people—especially Black, Latina, Indigenous, and low-income women—can access the care they need.”

Gubernatorial Candidate Danielle Allen Calls on Gov. to Institute COVID Vaccination Requirement for Students Ages 12+ in Public Schools

Gubernatorial Candidate Danielle Allen Calls on Gov. to Institute COVID Vaccination Requirement for Students Ages 12+ in Public Schools  

“With President Biden introducing vaccine requirements for federal employees, the Massachusetts Governor’s office, DESE, and state legislature need to create policy frameworks for the Commonwealth necessary to keep everyone safe.”

Cambridge, MA -- With public schools across Massachusetts now open for in-person learning, and COVID cases spiking, it is time for Governor Baker and the state legislature to include a COVID vaccine requirement for ages 12 and above in the state’s public school vaccination requirements. As they do so, state leaders must also begin preparing for full-scale implementation of pediatric COVID vaccines.

Allen has released the following statement regarding student vaccines: 

“It is now time for the Commonwealth to incorporate COVID vaccination requirements for students into our existing state laws for school vaccination,” said Gubernatorial Candidate Danielle Allen. “Establishing COVID vaccination requirements for our children 12 and up will not only help fortify our schools against potential COVID disruptions, but also help address the fear and uncertainty of hundreds of thousands of students, parents, and educational staff as we continue to navigate this pandemic.”

 

Danielle Allen spearheaded a multi-disciplinary, cross-sector COVID response team that led to the Biden-Harris Pandemic Testing Board, an interstate compact to build out COVID testing resources, and Covid Collaborative guidance on infection prevention and control in K-12 settings that has been disseminated nationally, including through the US Dept of Education. She worked with the Cambridge Public School District throughout the 2020-21 school year to achieve a successful return to healthy and safe in-person teaching and learning.

In August, Allen called on Baker and DESE to develop and implement a system of COVID alerts and advisories, similar to weather advisories, to communicate the levels of risk operative in the state, our communities, and our schools as those levels rise and fall over time, which would then trigger safety protocols in schools, such as mask mandates. Additionally, Allen is also advocating for an expansion in school-based infection prevention and control teams and school-based vaccination clinics across the Commonwealth utilizing American Rescue Plan funding.

波士頓市擴大海德堡公園醫療服務

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES EFFORTS TO EXPAND HEALTH SERVICES IN HYDE PARK The Request for Information is one of the first steps to creating more robust health resources in the neighborhood

 

BOSTON - Friday, September 10, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey and the Health & Human Services Cabinet yesterday issued a Request for Information (RFI) for partnerships to expand health services in Hyde Park. The City of Boston is seeking ideas about how to best improve the health of Hyde Park residents, ranging from satellite community health centers to additional health programming. Program ideas must work to enhance access to services that improve the health and wellbeing of Hyde Park residents. Hyde Park has a life expectancy below the rest of Boston, with a higher number of hospitalizations due to diabetes and injury than other neighborhoods. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hyde Park residents were disproportionately impacted by the virus and at some points led the city in the percentage of positive cases. Today, almost 70% of Hyde Park residents have received their first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, highlighting the importance of community-based health services in the neighborhood.   “The pandemic has made clear that public health starts with access to health care that is close to home. Yesterday, we marked an important milestone in bringing community health care to Hyde Park, right here in the Hyde Park Community Center, in a shared space with Boston Centers for Youth and Families,” said Mayor Janey. “In the City of Boston, residents are our highest priority. This work is about meeting people where they are ensuring that services offered in the community align with the local resident needs.” The City has identified space in the Hyde Park Community Center as a location to be used to support and strengthen health services in the neighborhood. The building is largely occupied by the Hyde Park Community Center, which is operated by the Boston Centers for Youth & Families. Additional area within the building is currently vacant and being considered for the community health center or space for other services that strengthen the health of Hyde Park. To help support the build out of this space, the City of Boston has allocated up to $2 million in the FY22-26 Capital Plan to renovate the space to provide neighborhood-based healthcare services. “I am thrilled that, with the partnership of the City and the Janey administration, we have been able to put out an RFI and move forward with the first health center in Hyde Park,” said Councilor Arroyo. “Our neighborhood was disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 as a result of inequities that predate the pandemic. Thank you to Mayor Janey, Chief Martinez, and the residents of Hyde Park who brought attention to the needs of our community.”  The Request for Information is an opportunity for interested entities to share their vision for and experience with health services, as well as provide necessary needs from the City of Boston to operate in this location. This should include programming ideas, previous efforts to provide these services, and supports needed. RFI submissions are due Monday, October 18 at 5:00 p.m. Following receipt and review of submissions, the City will release a Request for Proposals (RFP), to gather applications and subsequently select a partner that will expand health services in Hyde Park. (From the City of Boston)

White House and TAAF Hosted Meeting Yesterday on Hate Prevention with AAPI Faith Leaders in Advance of 9/11 Anniversary

White House and TAAF Hosted Meeting Yesterday on Hate Prevention with AAPI Faith Leaders in Advance of 9/11 Anniversary 

 

TAAF President Sonal Shah Releases Statement of Support For 

Efforts To Prevent Hate and Promote Healing in AAPI Communities

 

WASHINGTON, DC, September 9, 2021 — The Asian American Foundation ("TAAF"), a convener, incubator, and funder for the Asian American and Pacific Islander ("AAPI") communities, yesterday joined the White House Office of Public Engagement to host a meeting with AAPI faith leaders on hate prevention and racial equity in the lead up to the 20th anniversary of 9/11. 

 

President of TAAF, Sonal Shah, hosted the meeting alongside Erika Moritsugu, Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior AANHPI Liaison at the White House. The meeting sought to bring together voices representative of the diverse AAPI faith communities in America. Faith leaders from leading organizations joined the meeting to discuss what can be learned from the years since the 9/11 attacks about preventing anti-AAPI hate and how to foster a broader sense of belonging for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders going forward.

 

Sonal Shah released a statement following yesterday’s meeting:

 

“Faith has always been an integral part of AAPI communities in this country — particularly as we continue to face an onslaught of anti-AAPI sentiment. Our faith leaders, like the representatives we met with, guide our communities through dark times, help us heal, and foster a sense of belonging for us all. But as we remember the devastating attacks that took place on September 11, it is clear that America still has a long way to go in achieving a permanent and irrevocable sense of belonging for AAPI communities as incidents of anti-AAPI hate and violence persist at alarming rates. All of us at TAAF are grateful to the Biden Administration for inviting us to help lead a conversation with cherished leaders of our communities about how we can work together to become a nation where all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are treated with dignity and respect.”

 

More information on the meeting, including a full list of attendees, is available on the White House website.

包氏文藝中心9月9-25日舉辦"體驗華埠藝術節"

Boston, MA- Pao Arts Center’s annual Experience Chinatown Arts festival returns throughout the month of September 2021 to celebrate the rich cultural fabric of Boston Chinatown through creative activities for all.  

This free event features performances, visual artists, and local businesses to restore and empower the Chinatown and Asian Pacific Islander community.

Throughout the month, visitors are invited to view colorful, bold window murals at local businesses while supporting their favorite eatery. Soyoung Kim’s On Waves of Memory boldly splashes color on the windows of Penang Malaysian Restaurant (685 Washington Street, Boston), and across the street, life size lion dancers are showcased at Q Restaurant (660 Washington Street, Boston) in the piece Lion Resistance by Shaina Lu. On Thursday nights at 5 pm, performances will fill Chinatown Park on The Greenway (near the gate) so community members can connect and enjoy music, dance and more. Finally, the festival will bring people together on its final day Saturday, September 25 from 12 – 3 pm for workshops and performances at Chinatown Park and Pao Arts Center (99 Albany Street, Boston). 

Director of Pao Arts Center Cynthia Woo shares, “this year we asked artists to think of what it means to care for Chinatown and their community. This year we are focusing on how to help community members become more resilient and able to face the challenges of today. Now more than ever, it is important to find opportunities to connect, as well as support local businesses.”

Participating visual artist, Soyoung Kim shares, “As an immigrant myself, it’s important to me that places like Chinatown exist and that the stories of its community are shared to teach and inspire the younger generations on survival and on what it means to be American.”

Pao Arts Center invites community members and neighbors to join, connect and experience something new all month. For more information, go to: https://www.paoartscenter.org/events/2021/experiencechinatown