BOSTON – In a bold celebration of creativity, community, and public art, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)—the nation’s only independent public college of art and design— is proud to play a large part in the Boston Public Art Triennial, which takes place from May 22 through October 31, 2025. The Triennial will transform the city into a vibrant, open-air museum with more than two dozen free public art installations, including groundbreaking artwork from the MassArt alumni and faculty.

For over 150 years, MassArt has empowered bold, visionary artists to shape the future of art and design. Now, the College takes center stage in this citywide artistic movement as MassArt’s very own free contemporary art museum MassArt Art Museum (MAAM) has commissioned a new work by Triennial artist Nicholas Galanin on view through November 30, 2025. 

The 2025 Triennial theme, “The Exchange,” focuses on the ways we connect, collaborate, and build shared meaning through art. The Triennial was curated by Artistic Director Pedro Alonzo with Curator Tess Lukey, BFA ‘16. Participating artists include a powerful lineup of emerging and established voices. MassArt-affiliated participants include Triennial Accelerator artists Andy Li, BFA ‘12 and Evelyn Rydz (Studio Foundation Program Area Chair), Gabriel Sosa (Art Education faculty), Stephen Hamilton, BFA ‘09 (Illustration faculty). MAAM has also commissioned work by Triennial artist and Alaska-native Nicholas Galanin, whose world-renowned artwork ignites urgent conversations about identity and history.

The Triennial officially opens on May 22 at 11:30am in Evans Way Park, directly across from MassArt, with a public unveiling of Galanin’s striking new installation, I think it goes like this (pick yourself up). That evening, at 6pm, the celebration continues at MAAM with Twilight at MAAM: Community Celebration!  

As Boston comes alive with artistic energy, the 2025 Triennial promises to be more than an exhibition—it’s an invitation to imagine new futures, spark conversation, and experience the transformative power of public art. Learn more about the Triennial and MassArt’s involvement here. 

##

About MassArt

The only independent public college of art and design in the country, MassArt was founded in 1873 in response to a bold idea: art and design are essential to our daily lives, and key to improving our society and economy. What began as a school to teach drawing is today a bold, comprehensive art and design institution that spans 18 undergraduate and nine graduate programs, certificates, continuing education, and post-baccalaureate study.

About MassArt Art Museum

The MassArt Art Museum (MAAM) is Boston’s only free contemporary art museum, a space to experience works by extraordinary artists at the forefront of contemporary art. As MassArt’s teaching museum, we are committed to educating and empowering the next generation of artists—both on our campus and throughout the world.

About the Boston Public Art Triennial

The Boston Public Art Triennial is on a mission to spark radical cultural change by curating and producing free, accessible contemporary art experiences by international and local artists that engage citizens in conversation, cultivate joy, and challenge our biases.