The Triennial: Bridging the Gap Between Art and Wellness

Journey to the Triennial 

The Boston Public Art Triennial is a city wide art exhibition that currently has 20 pieces on display in public locations. Triennial means recurring every 3 years. The Boston Public Art Triennial plans to have exhibitions every 3 years. This year’s triennial started May 22nd and is ending October 31st. 

Marguerite Wynter is the Director of Partnerships and Engagement at the triennial. Wynter works with community partners, civic organizations, and museum partners. Also, Wynter develops programming and workshops for youth and family. 

When planning the Triennial, Wynter said, “we started to host these community listening sessions in 2024.” 

Wynter said the Triennial intends to create, “These pockets for community gathering and also for neighbors and residents… to feel accepted and welcomed and feel like the art can be accessible to them.”

The Triennial encompasses pieces from indigenous artists and talks about a variety of topics such as weaving, climate change, and indigeneity. 

There are many art pieces displayed throughout Boston. At the Boston Public Library Central location in Copley Square, there is an art piece called In the Well: The Stories We Tell About Addiction. It is an eye-catching house-like structure designed by Caledonia Curry, who is also known as Swoon. The Triennial has partnerships with museums like the MassArt Art Museum, where pieces part of the Triennial can also be viewed.

In what ways can art help in community healing?

According to the American Journal of Arts, Social, and Humanity Studies, “Residents reported feeling more connected to their neighborhoods due to the presence of public art, which acted as a social glue.” Art can aid in community healing as art brings people together and sparks conversation. 

Art helps promote necessary conversations in an approachable way. Wynter highlights, “You could walk by a mural … but you can reflect upon it and throughout your day, throughout the week, allowing you to engage and get that different perspective and viewpoint.” Art leads to conversations about important topics that deal with issues like race and identity, and like a way that is approachable to people. 

Wynter notes that, “Artists are storytellers, and art can help to bring in many perspectives about how we each see the world.” Having a diverse range of people  involved in the art making process makes it a more equitable space for people. It is important to hear the perspectives of everyone in order to make impactful change. 

Art and Mental Health 

Additionally, art and mental health intertwine in many ways. According to the American Journal of Arts, Social, and Humanity, “The results indicated that  residents reported lower levels of  stress and increased feelings of well-being due to the presence of public art.” Public exhibitions like the Boston Public Art Triennial benefit communities in numerous ways such as decreasing stress. 

How can teens get involved?

Wyner said the Triennial is hosting workshops for teens in Boston. She said “How amazing [is] that, bringing those people, bringing all those people together in community for a chill afternoon and telling stories, and, you know, relating to the people next to you and meeting new people.” During a Braiding workshop, participants were able to learn how to do different braids like cornrows, single braids, in addition to engaging in live weaving by Stephen Hamilton. 

All programs hosted by the Boston Public Art Triennial are free and open to the public. You can check out their website and instagram for events. For example, Ñ Press is a recurring event that happens every Saturday at Maverick Landing Community Services from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.. You can make your own zines, pamphlets, and learn how to use screen print. 

Conclusion

There is a common quote that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, travel with a team.” In the turbulent times that we are living in, it is important to have a community that you can rely on. Public art and events like the Boston Public Art Triennial brings communities together by fostering pride and making the community aware of an issue. Currently, art provides a space for discussions and thoughtful debate.

The triennial is taking the first step to make art more accessible to the residents in Boston. Exhibitions like the triennial are important for community wellness. Wynter said, “public art is for everyone, and this is just the beginning for public art in Boston.”