Advancing Our Mission
Activating space to strengthen communities by using art, design and planning to improve how people engage with and feel about their built environment. We seek to have an impact that fosters improvement in the economic, social and civic life of communities by creating more open, active, and accessible spaces that are welcoming and appealing to people from all backgrounds and generations.
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 planning to tie the heritage of the past to the potential of the future.
Delivering Epic Art and Designed Spaces
Activating space creates activities that engage people of all ages, virtually and in-person. Our strengths lies in our ability to enact a community’s shared vision by connecting and using the talents and
priorities of people, civic leaders, business owners, and artists. We leverage a network of outsized resources to enhance the
communities we work with to design and implement plans effectively and efficiently.
Mission
The mission of Beyond Walls is to activate space to strengthen communities. Activating space involves creating epic artistic public installations. Strengthening communities involves increasing both economic development and civic engagement.
Vision
Beyond Walls envisions a world where everyone has access to safe, accessible and beautiful public spaces. We believe that public art and creative expression is a universal right that should be enjoyed by everyone from all walks of life.
Values
Beyond Walls maintains its core values of Innovation, Passion, Collaboration, Diversity, and Excellence. We also know that the kids are our future, so we share these values with the youth interns, volunteers and participants that we involve in all of our projects.
Past 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 […]
ABOUT US
Our Mission and Vision
From Our Blog
The Lamp Post
A coincidence? As a hearse drove away from All Saints Church on Monday, Sept. 25, following a funeral Mass for a local woman, the church bells rang as a message […]
Asian Community Development Corporation – October 2023 Newsletter
October 2023 Newsletter Dear Friends of ACDC, The harrowing, ongoing conflict we are witnessing serves as a reminder to look after our neighbors and show care for one another. What […]
Regional and international artists creating murals in Haverhill
By Mike LaBella | Staff Writer Oct 5, 2023 1 of 7 International artists are in Haverhill painting murals in several downtown locations. Artist Giulio Rosk of Palermo, Sicily, is creating […]
Haverhill Art Walk to feature artist market, salsa dancing
By Mike LaBella September 28, 2023 The Haverhill Art Walk returns to the downtown Riverfront Cultural District on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 1 to 7 p.m. highlighting underutilized spaces and […]
Explore Vibrant Art: Free mural tour being offered throughout Springfield and Holyoke
by: John Budenas Posted: Sep 26, 2023 / 04:14 PM EDT Updated: Sep 26, 2023 / 04:14 PM EDT HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Art enthusiasts and culture admirers have a golden opportunity […]
Haverhill Art Walk Saturday Brings Back Pub Crawl, Music, Art and More to Downtown
By WHAV News Staff | September 26, 2023 Haverhill Art Walk poster. As part of its mission, WHAV provides information and resources targeting health and wellness, food insecurity, after-school programs, education and housing […]
Regional and international artists creating murals in Haverhill
Eagle-Tribune Officials with Beyond Walls say murals can help eliminate blight, bring positivity to an area, can serve as an economic driver by attracting tourism …
River Ruckus makes a splash Saturday
By Mike LaBella September 22, 2023 With live music, a classic car show, a Kids Zone, local foods, demonstrations and a spectacular fireworks display over the Merrimack River, it’s […]
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 […]
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 […]
