Artist Cristina Parreño Alonso selected for public art project in Hyde Square

This public art project is part of a larger effort by the Public Works Department (PWD) to reconstruct and enhance the intersection of Centre Street, Perkins Street, and Day Street, collectively known as Hyde Square. Enhancements will include increased sidewalk widths, traffic and pedestrian safety improvements, new lighting, and landscaping. A major goal of this project is to create a sense of place and enhance the public realm with artwork, which is what this request for proposal sought to accomplish.

"The Hyde Square Public Art Project will offer the Jamaica Plain community a place to meet and socialize with their fellow neighbors," said Mayor Walsh. "We heard the community's desire to have a gathering space for people in the neighborhood, and I look forward to completing this project and fulfilling that wish, while also supporting talented artists in this community."

Alonso, originally from Spain, has been working as an architect and teacher for the past 15 years. Her work revolves around connecting the built form with the existing environment, while taking into account the culture and needs of users, as well as the non-conventional use of materials that encourages user engagement. Alonso's recent work, "Tectonics of Transparencies," explores the qualities of glass as a translucent and transparent material as well as its use as a structural element. Alonso earned a degree in Architecture from Escuela Tecnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid.

"The Hyde Square public art project  is an important step in moving  forward the Boston Creates Cultural Plan, which calls for opportunities to integrate arts, culture, and creativity into the public realm and urban environment," said Julie Burros, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. "We look forward to seeing Cristina's work come to fruition. It will be a critical  asset to the proposed Latin Quarter Cultural District, located around Hyde Square.."

The Public Works Department (PWD),the Boston Art Commission (BAC) within the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture, Hyde Square Task Force, and the Hyde Jackson Square Main Street have all collaborated on the Hyde Square public art project in Jamaica Plain.  

Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture (MOAC)

The Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture's mission is to support artists, the cultural sector, and to promote access to the arts for all. The office houses the Boston Cultural Council, the Boston Art Commission, and the Poet Laureate program. Responsibilities include leading up the City's cultural plan, Boston Creates; managing the Boston Artist-in-Residence program; curating exhibitions in City Hall; and operating the historic Strand Theater in Dorchester.

For more information, go to: www.boston.gov/departments/arts-and-culture

Boston Art Commission

The Boston Art Commission (BAC), an independent board of arts leaderscharged with the care and custody of all artworks on City of Boston property, advocates for the creation of innovative and transformative art and promotes its accessibility to enrich the lives of Boston's diverse citizens and visitors. The Art Commission advises, supports, and consults with artists and communities, City departments, and others. It commissions, approves, and conserves the City of Boston's collection of art and historical artifacts.

For more information, go to: www.publicartboston.com

Boston Public Works Department

The Public Works Department (PWD) provides core basic services essential to neighborhood quality of life. PWD directs the general construction, maintenance, and cleaning of approximately 802 miles of roadways throughout the City. PWD operates two major drawbridges, maintains 68,055 City-owned street lights, and supervises contracts for the removal and disposal of approximately 260,000 tons of solid waste. PWD also operates Boston's recycling program with an annual diversion of approximately 44,000 tons.

For more information, go to: https://www.boston.gov/public-works

Hyde Square Task Force

Hyde Square Task Force (HSTF) is an award-winning youth development and social change organization based in the Hyde/Jackson Square area of Jamaica Plain, also known as Boston's Latin Quarter. Its mission is to develop the skills of youth and their families so they are empowered to enhance their own lives and build a strong and vibrant urban community. Through high-quality arts, academic, and leadership programming, HSTF serves more than 1,200 youth each year from all over Boston.

For more information, go to: www.hydesquare.org

Hyde Jackson Square Main Street

Hyde Jackson Square Main Street's mission is to create a safe, visually vibrant, economically sound business district in Hyde and Jackson Squares. The Hyde and Jackson Square neighborhood is rich with a variety of stores, businesses, and residences. People here hail from many different countries and speak many languages. Centre Street is the cross-road of the neighborhood where people greet each other, share stories, play, exercise, and shop.

For more information, go to: www.hydejacksonsquare.org