Dorchester Art Project

Dorchester Art Project is a community-driven art space in Fields Corner that gives Boston-based emerging artists room to work, show and perform. The building houses fourteen artists’ studios, a gallery and a performance space, and it presents exhibitions of critically engaged, emerging artists. Its goal is to offer affordable studio, performance, gallery and gathering space for artists in Dorchester and across Greater Boston, outside the orbit of academic institutions and commercial galleries.

The space is run by Brain Arts Organization, a volunteer collective of artists focused on art-centric programming and cultural empowerment. Beyond its own shows, it lends space to other arts organizations and nonprofits for performances, classes and events. Neighborhood ties matter: the project works with Dot Art, Fields Corner Main Streets and local businesses on arts education for youth, exhibition opportunities and studio space for local professional artists, and event space for community groups.

What to Know

• Brain Arts Organization, which runs the space, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
• Leo Whelan and Anya Smolnikova serve as program managers.
• The gallery can be visited by appointment as well as during its regular gallery hours.
• The project aims to foster new connections across Boston’s diverse art communities.