The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture (MOAC) has engaged Keen Independent to conduct an equity and impact study of the City’s grant programs dedicated to the arts. The goals of the study are to:

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• Evaluate the effectiveness, equity and impact of MOAC’s grant programs; and
• Consider MOAC’s funding programs within the arts landscape of the Greater Boston region.

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This study will result in strategies to strengthen arts and culture in the Greater Boston region by addressing any identified inequities. Keen Independent will also provide capacity building for MOAC’s ongoing evaluation of its grant programs.

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Study team

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Keen Independent is a national research firm with expertise in arts and culture, equity and economics. Heather Calvin, Keen Independent Associate Principal and Co-owner, is leading the study. Subconsultant Dr. Heang Leung Rubin of Boston-based CHIC Community Engagement Consulting will facilitate stakeholder engagement.

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Schedule

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The study launched in February 2025 and will be completed in July 2026.

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How to Get Involved

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We want to hear from you! Please fill out the following impact survey regarding City of Boston arts funding efforts. Your input will help shape the future of City of Boston arts funding.

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Public feedback will inform this project throughout its duration and will include interviews and focus groups and an impact survey. Input may be submitted anytime by:

• Calling the study hotline: (602) 767-7067

• Emailing the study team: Bostonartsfundingequity@keenindependent.com

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Banner image photo credit: Left and center: Future Fest, including the Human Movement Project (2024), photos by Annielly Camargo. Right: Poet Porsha Olayiwola performs at BLACK in the Cradle of Liberty (2024), photo by Arlan Fonseca.