The Boston Center for the Arts (BCA)
Fact Sheet
Mission
The Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) is a non-profit organization which seeks to sustain artists seriously engaged in the advancement of an artistic discipline and to create an ever-changing array of meaningful opportunities for people to encounter the challenge, power and joy to be found in the work of living artists.
History
In the late 1960s, The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) acquired the former headquarters of the Boston Flower Exchange, a 4-acre parcel of land in Boston's South End. The BRA designated
the property an arts center and named the BCA its developer. Today, the Boston Center for the Arts is home to the largest concentration of artists in New England.
Programs
The BCA offers artists affordable work space; sponsors special exhibitions, performances and residencies; commissions artists to create new work; and develops education and outreach opportunities for many different communities of people living in and around the City of Boston. Current programs include:
- BCA Res. Co. Program -- a performing arts residency program
which focuses on small and mid-sized groups. This program offers focused marketing; technical assistance; peer support; box office support; free rehearsal space; and discounted theater rentals.
- Visual Arts Program -- presents the work of 150 visual artists to more than 40,000 people each year through exhibitions in the Mills Gallery and the Cyclorama; links Boston teens to artist mentors; sponsors artist residencies; commissions permanent works of art; and offers below-market rate studio space to 60 visual artists through our Studio Program.
- Teen Program -- through a fall mentors program, spring training program in the performing arts and summer employment program,
the Teen Program helps build self-esteem for participants; introduces teens to professional artists and the arts world; and presents career opportunities and hands-on experience for 40 young adults.
- Folk Arts Program -- celebrates and honors the cultural richness
that surrounds the Center and fills the City of Boston. Past festivals have featured artists from the Haitian, Caribbean and Irish communities. This year's festival features the Cape Verdean community.
Facilities
The BCA manages a four-acre complex dedicated to the arts in
Boston's South End. The Center's extensive facilities include:
- The Cyclorama -- a 23,000 square foot building built in 1884 to house a diorama painting depicting the Battle of Gettysburg. Today the Cyclorama hosts exhibitions, performances and community events in its main rotunda. The lower level houses the Community Music Center of Boston; the Boston Ballet Costume Shop; three small theaters; and a recording studio;
- The Tremont Estates Building -- originally a piano factory built in 1850, it now houses 55 artists' studios; the Mills Gallery; two rehearsal spaces; and a restaurant;
- Boston Ballet's Headquarters -- a new building designed by noted architect Graham Gund opened in 1991;
- The National Theater -- a 3,400-seat theater slated for redevelopment along with an adjacent parcel, now the Center's parking lot.
People Served
During the course of a year, approximately 120,000 people visit activities at the Center. Our audience reflects the diversity of our South End neighborhood (40% Caucasian; 33% African American;
15% Latino; 12 % Asian; 9% other). Nearly 40% of visitors are members of minority communities. Half of our audience resides in Boston and half resides throughout greater Boston.
An additional 350,000 people are served by our resident artists and arts groups. Each year, we present 150 visual artists in exhibitions and almost 200 performing artists work in our performance spaces. An additional 125 artists work in subsidized work spaces located at the Boston Center for the Arts; and 40 young people are served through our Teen Programs.
Financials
The BCA completed Fiscal Year 1995 with a $1 million budget (operating and capital). For 4 consecutive fiscal years, the BCA has operated with a balanced budget. Approximately 65% of our income is earned; 35% is contributed. Contributed income has exceeded $300,000 for the third consecutive year.
Supporters
The Boston Center for the Arts is supported by a broad base of
supporters including the following: Bank of Boston; BayBank Boston; Boston Council for the Arts and Humanities (a local agency); Boston Edison; Boston Globe Foundation; Boston Landmarks Commission; Boston Private Industry Council; Boston Safe Neighborhoods Youth Fund; City of Boston Public Facilities Department; Hyams Foundation; LEF Foundation; Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.; Loomis, Sayles & Co.; Massachusetts Cultural Council (a state agency); National Endowment for the Arts; The New England; New England Foundation for the Arts; NYNEX; Bessie Pappas Charitable Foundation; Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund; Polaroid Foundation; Ramlose Foundation; A.C. Ratshesky Foundation; Mabel Louise
Riley Foundation; Shawmut Bank; Stevens Foundation; and Teradyne.
The BCA is also supported by private donors through contributions and memberships.
For More Information
Events Line: 617.426.7700
Box Office: 617.426.0320
General Inquiries: 617.426.5000
Fax: 617.426.5336
This page designed by Richard Leary
rleary@umassd.edu
voice: (508) 994-2903
postal mail: 609 Union St., New Bedford, MA, USA 02740
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