Organizer Information
The Charles River Conservancy (CRC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the stewardship, renewal, and enhancement of the urban Charles River parklands. Since the opening of the Lynch Family Skatepark in 2015, the CRC has worked to ensure the park remains a world-class destination for athletes and creatives alike. Grounded in the principles of spatial justice, the CRC strives to make public spaces along the river inclusive and accessible to all, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. This residency is part of their broader initiative to integrate public art with recreational infrastructure, fostering a deeper sense of community ownership and creative expression.
Title & Description
2026 Graffiti/Street Artist-in-Residence
This summer-long residency invites a local graffiti or street artist (or group) to serve as a creative leader and cultural ambassador at the Lynch Family Skatepark. The resident artist will curate an evolving "living gallery" by creating site-specific works while encouraging the community to paint alongside them. The project centers on the idea of the "ephemeral"—recognizing that graffiti is ever-changing and collaborative. Beyond painting, the artist acts as an advocate for inclusivity, intentionally uplifting voices from BIPOC, queer, women, transgender, non-binary, and disabled communities. The goal is to create a safe, vibrant atmosphere where the physical infrastructure of the park is strengthened by social connections between skaters and artists.
Categories
This residency focuses on urban and contemporary street mediums:
- Graffiti Art & Street Art: Specifically utilizing water-based spray paint.
- Community Engagement/Education: Mentorship, workshops, and collaborative muralism.
- Note: 3-Dimensional works are not permitted; art must be focused on vertical skatepark surfaces.
Eligibility
- Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
- Groups: Collective groups of artists may apply (though compensation remains the same as for an individual).
- Identity: Priority is given to artists who represent underrepresented voices in public space (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, and disabled artists).
- Requirements: Applicants must pass a criminal background check and be eligible to submit a W-9 form for tax purposes.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Total Compensation: $25,000, paid in monthly installments of $5,000. This is an all-inclusive fee for design, planning, and on-site painting.
- Wellness Stipend: A monthly wellness stipend of $600 for the artist's discretionary use.
- Material Budget: A dedicated $5,000 budget for paint and supplies.
- Professional Leadership: Opportunity to lead large-scale community events and gain significant visibility within the Boston/Cambridge arts and skate scenes.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Artist Bio: Maximum 250 words.
- Artist Statement of Interest: Maximum 500 words, detailing your connection to the site and engagement style.
- Visual Narrative: Maximum 500 words describing your creative vision for the skatepark.
- Work Samples: 6-10 examples of relevant street art or community projects (JPG or PDF).
- Work Sample List: Document with titles, dates, and descriptions.
- References: Contact info for 2-3 professional or personal references.
- Optional: Links to website, social media, or supporting media (under 2 minutes).
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 5 January 2026
- Notification: Date Late March – early April 2026
- Residency Timeline: May 2026 – September 2026
- Mandatory Events:
- Celebration: May 30, 2026.
- Skate Partner Collaboration: June 27, 2026.
- Artist-Led Engagement: August 15, 2026.
- Closing Ceremony: September 24, 2026.
Location
Lynch Family Skatepark, Cambridge, MA, United States
Additional Details
The artist is expected to spend 8–15 hours a week at the park, divided between painting (60%) and community mentorship (40%). Because this is an outdoor public space, artists must be comfortable working independently and navigating a high-activity environment. Artists are required to use water-based spray paint and follow specific disposal standards set by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).