Adams Street Branch Library Public Art Project
The City of Boston commissioned artist Priscila De Carvalho to create public art for the new Adams Street Branch Library.
This project is currently in the design phase.
Priscila is looking for input from Dorchester residents and community members who visit the library to help inform her preliminary design.
Project Details
The Adams Street Branch Library underwent a $12.6 million construction of a new library building that opened in 2021. The renovation was led by the architecture firm NADAAA. It doubled the size of the branch, and featured:
- a larger community room
- conference room
- study room
- music room, and
- a reading garden.
The budget for this public art project is $300,000. The City released a Call to Artists for a permanent artwork. The Call was open to national and international artists, with a strong preference for artists connected to Dorchester.
The City selected artist Priscila De Carvalho to carry out the project.
The branch’s design and various spaces reflect the needs and desires of the community. Artists were encouraged to consider these project elements when applying:
- The construction project included the protection of an oak tree. Attendees of the first public meeting asked to keep the tree rooted in place on the library grounds.
- Ideas for increasing the sustainability of the development are under way. These include a plan to retain the stormwater generated on the site.
- Additional teen and children’s spaces were central to the design.
- The inclusion of a reading garden in addition to the other outdoor spaces was an important element for the branch users.
