Arts and Cultural Planning > Artists in Government

Artists in Government

This program helps artists work together with different City departments. It’s meant to spark lasting changes inside those departments by encouraging creativity and helping staff better understand the value of the arts. It also gives artists a chance to engage with the City’s work, which can inspire their own practice and expand how they see their role in the community. Application is open now. See the link below to apply.

If you are interested in applying and want to learn more, please attend the upcoming information session on February 9, 2026 at 6 pm. If you want to watch the recording, click here. For those not able to attend, you can schedule a 20 minutes chat here.

Selection Process

The City of Cambridge and the Community Development Department are looking for an artist or artist team interested in bringing creative thinking, collaborative spirit, and social justice values to engage residents in making Cambridge a desirable place to live and work. This opportunity will provide a $48,000-$52,000 grant to cover an artist fee and project expenses. The duration is expected to be a minimum of 12 months and up to 18 months, depending on the type of collaboration. Application period is closed.

Cambridge Public Health Department

The Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) protects and promotes the health of everyone in Cambridge, particularly those who are most vulnerable, through services, information, policies, and regulations. CPHD is an innovative and high- performing organization. Under the department’s leadership, Cambridge was one of six communities awarded the inaugural Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health Prize in 2013, and they continue to be active participants in the RWJF Prize Winning Communities Network. CPHD has been nationally accredited since 2018 by the Public Health Accreditation Board, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the continuous quality improvement of public health departments.

CPHD Website

FAQs

What is the Artists in Government program?

Building on recommendations from the 2019 Mayor’s Art Task Force, this new program will connect artists with City departments to collaborate on creative projects. Artists get to see how the City operates up close, learn from staff, and create a project inspired by what they discover. City staff, in turn, get to experience a fresh, creative way of thinking that can spark new ideas in their own work. And ultimately, the broader community benefits, local artists get meaningful support, and residents get more thoughtful, imaginative city services.

Who is eligible to apply?

Artists of any discipline can apply. Artists that are interested in the intersection of public health and arts and culture, have experience in social practice and community engagement, and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams are encouraged to apply.

Do I have to live in Cambridge?

No. You need to have previously worked with the Cambridge community or with Cambridge-based organizations.

What kind of artists are you looking for?

You. We are looking for an artist that is interested in bringing creative and critical thinking to the organization, regardless of discipline.

I am interested. Where can I apply?

Artists interested in applying should go to Cambridge Arts Slideroom website, and follow the Artists in Government link.

When is the application due?

Applications are due March 6, 2026.

How are artists selected?

Artists are invited to submit their application on SlideRoom. A technical panel will recommend five to seven finalists based on qualifications, which we define as past work and experience. An interviewing panel composed of city staff, including CPHD staff, and community members will conduct interviews with the finalists. City staff will provide interview assistance to the finalists. The panel will recommend one artist or artist team to serve as the inaugural Artist in Government with the Cambridge Public Health Department.

How was the Cambridge Public Health Department selected?

The Cambridge Public Health Department expressed interest in being the inaugural host of the Artists in Government. CPHD has a long history of partnering with Cambridge Arts and local artists to further their efforts to improve health equity and sees this program as a natural collaboration. For future iterations, City departments will be invited to participate based on the lessons of this inaugural collaboration.

How long will the Artists in Government work with the Cambridge Public Health Department?

Depending on the artist and their discipline, a contract may last up to 18 months.

How much time do I need to commit?

We expect the artist to work with the Public Health staff at least 5 hours per week. That can mean attending meetings, public events, etc.

What is the expected deliverable at the end of the 12-18 months?

There isn't a predetermined outcome. However, the artist is expected to produce a deliverable in collaboration with the host department that advances their goals and community outreach priorities. At this time, a permanent public art work is not expected.

How much is the artist stipend?

Depending on the length of the contract, an artist stipend can be up to $52,000.

How is this program funded?

Funding for this program comes from mitigation funding committed to the City for arts and culture programming by New England Development for the Cambridgeside Galleria.