Activating Space
to Strengthen Communities
We believe that when communities find opportunity to come together to share their stories, their culture and their common interests, great things can happen. We hope to see you there too.
ABOUT US
Our Work
We introduce public art and curated experiences into the fabric of our communities by partnering with local community members and experts to design, produce and manage collaborative projects and programs.
Serving Cities, Towns, and People
We serve cities and towns where there are changes due to the loss of industry, shifts in population, or where there is underutilized infrastructure. We serve people, civic leaders, and business owners who want to work together to manifest the power of art, design, and urban/city planning to tie the heritage of the past to the potential of the future.
Delivering Epic Art & Designed Spaces
We utilize a design thinking and responsive approach to a community needs where the human experience is first and foremost, and a creative lens is used to find a solution.
Call for Cities — If you’re interested in applying for Beyond Walls to collaborate in your city in 2024 or 2025, please review our submission process here. We’re passionate about connecting with like-minded municipalities and community partners in Massachusetts and beyond, and we encourage collaborative coalitions and building owners to apply. For any questions regarding our RFP process, please contact us at admin@beyondwalls.org.
Past Creative Design Projects
Retrolit
RETROLIT Retrolit was born out of a community-driven desire for making the walk around downtown more interesting and enjoyable. Merging art, history and technology, Beyond Walls restored and installed 12 […]
Lynn Lights on the MBTA Underpass
LYNN LIGHTS Beyond Walls, aligned partners and volunteers installed “Lynn Lights” in 2018 in response to community feedback for more lighting downtown. Together, we implemented 16,000 square feet of dynamic LED […]
Wash and Fold
CALL TO ACTION In response to the ongoing pandemic and in keeping with our mission — activating public spaces to strengthen communities — Beyond Walls recognized the need for flexible […]
Testimonials
I’ve enjoyed working with Beyond Walls over the last year. So very often as a city employee we are tasked with solving unique problems and challenges and it is a […]
I have worked with Beyond Walls since 2016, lending design expertise and visualization to support community-led initiatives. I am most impressed by the group’s ability to execute meaningful community-enhancement projects […]
United Rentals has been the proud partner with Beyond Walls and the communities they work in since 2017. What started as a one piece equipment rental to get their mural […]
Beyond Walls has been an incredible community partner to work with over the past year. I began working with Beyond Walls last fall (2019) when I brought my Thurgood Marshall […]
There are not enough words to explain the gratitude the Lynn YMCA has for transforming our playground AND giving our youth and staff the opportunity to experience art as it […]
I highly respect and am greatly excited by what Beyond Walls has accomplished in Lynn in a very short time. Utilizing many fine artists, you have brought Lynn from its […]
From our Newsroom
Five High-Rise Murals Begin Going up in Haverhill Friday with Arrival of Beyond Walls
By WHAV News Staff | Sample mural in Lynn by @angurria @willgom @silvialopezchavez @dovente (Photograph by @toastfilm) As part of its mission, WHAV provides information and resources targeting health and wellness, food […]
Beyond Walls enriches Lynn, other gateway cities in Massachusetts
BY LISA HUGHES SEPTEMBER 7, 2023 / 6:06 PM / CBS BOSTON BOSTON – Beyond Walls founder Al Wilson describes his leap into the non-profit world as a “perfect storm.” In […]
Art and Culture in Massachusetts: Exploring the State’s Vibrant Art Scene
by Lara Wayne Urban and Public Art: The public and street art in Massachusetts is well-known as well. Outdoor exhibits are frequently changed out on the Rose Kennedy Greenway in […]
BEYOND WALLS MURALS RETURN TO DOWNTOWN LYNN
BEYOND WALLS MURALS RETURN TO DOWNTOWN LYNN BY JAMES BARTLETT| August 15, 2023 Artist Kevin Ledo, center, works with Lynn youth from the Demakes Family YMCA to put the finishing touches on […]
5 things to do this weekend, including the ancient artform of Tholpavakoothu and a ‘Moana’ screening aboard the U.S.S. Constitution
August 10, 2023 | By Solon Kelleher Even after nearly four full weeks at the box office, it seems that “Barbie” is still the talk of the cultural town. Last […]
New art installation, designed by Northeastern professor with community input, reclaims a piece of Boston’s history
The installation in Roxbury is the latest community-based design by Northeastern architecture professor Killion Mokwete. Photo courtesy Killion Mokwete Northeastern assistant professor of architecture Killion Mokwete has developedprojects around the world—from […]
Beyond Walls revitalizes Chicopee with international talent
July 19, 2023 | Dennis Hohenberger Beyond Walls and several grants sponsored the project. Mayor John Vieau is joined by Al Wilson, the organization’s founder, and residents. Reminder Publishing photo by […]
Town by Town: Beyond Walls murals, College for Kids, and identity theft prevention
Updated: Jul. 17, 2023 at 4:00 PM EDT Western Mass News is taking you town by town Holyoke, Springfield, and Granville.
Renowned artists unveil vibrant, large-scale murals in Chicopee
Despite the recent rainfall and thunderstorms, artists working over in Chicopee have finally completed two colorful, large-scale murals. By Addie Patterson, Photojournalist: Marcos Figueroa and Abigail Murillo Villacorta Published: Jul. 15, 2023 at […]
Murals in gateway cities eyed as a way to boost economic development
Published: Jul. 08, 2023, 6:52 a.m. By Jeanette DeForge | jdeforge@repub.com Murals popping up on large buildings in Springfield, Holyoke and now Chicopee are beautifying their downtowns, recognizing different cultures and […]
Thank You to our Supporters
Our work is made possible by people like you that believe that Arts and Culture in our communities leads to better outcomes for all. We thank you and all our supporters for making a lasting impact.
Barr Foundation
Cummings Foundation
MassDevelopment
Mass Cultural Council
Amelia Peabody Foundation
Mass Cultural Council
