Spaces for artists & studio finders (Boston and Massachusetts)

City of Boston: Finding Space as an Artists

This is an artist space map, city programs, along with contracts in the Boston area. On the website you can filter it for the type of space you are interested/looking for.

Website: https://www.boston.gov/departments/arts-and-culture/finding-space-artist-boston

 

Mass Cultural Council - Creative Space Classifieds

You can find here live/work and work spaces posted by/for artists.

Website: https://artsake.massculturalcouncil.org/creative-space-classifieds/ 

 

Artisans Asylum (Somerville)

52k sq ft makerspace; memberships, day passes, personal studios, shared shops. 

Website: https://www.artisansasylum.com/ 

 

Midway Artist Studios (Fort Point)

Affordable artist live/work building (89 studios); info on availability.

Website: https://midwayartiststudios.org/ 

 

Humphreys Street Studios (Dorchester)

A long-standing artist workspace community.

Website: https://www.humphreysstreetstudio.com/ 

 

BDA: Boston Dance Alliance Studio Space Finder

Find dress rehearsal spaces and class finders.

Website: https://www.bostondancealliance.org/resources/bda-studio-space-campaign/ 

 

Peerspace Studios

Space for photography that is rentable.

Website: https://www.peerspace.com/venues/boston--ma/photo-studio 

Grants & funding (Boston + statewide)

Mass Cultural Council – Grants for Creative Individuals

$5,000 unrestricted grants (apply by Oct 28, 2025; annual program)

Website: https://massculturalcouncil.org/artists-art/grants-for-creative-individuals/ 

 

Boston Opportunity Fund

Micro-grants for artists, cultural workers, & groups (FY25 cycle now open; dates on page). Application opens: September 2, 2025. Deadline: October 16, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Website: https://www.boston.gov/departments/arts-and-culture/opportunity-fund 

 

Boston Cultural Council (BCC) – Organizational Grants

For small/mid orgs producing arts programming in Boston (FY25–26 details & rubric).

Website: https://www.boston.gov/departments/arts-and-culture/boston-cultural-council 

 

Live Arts Boston (The Boston Foundation)

An 18-month program; >$1M in grants + mentorship for Boston-area artists (especially BIPOC/immigrant creators).

Website: https://www.tbf.org/nonprofits/grant-making-initiatives/live-arts-boston

 

“Certified Artist” for Boston (to qualify for artist housing/work space)

City of Boston – Artist Housing Certification

An official letter from the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture (MOAC) that confirms recent artistic practice; helps qualify for affordable artist live/work housing. Valid 8 years. Application + eligibility on Submittable.

PLEASE NOTE: Every year, they have review deadlines of: February 28, April 30, June 30, August 31, October 31, and December 31.

Website: https://www.boston.gov/departments/arts-and-culture/artist-housing-certification 

More information: https://cityofbostonartsandculture.submittable.com/submit/57851/city-of-boston-artist-housing-certification 

 

Food Resources

Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline - MA Wide

This is the food assistance line for all of Massachusetts. Whether you need help paying for food and don't know where to start or you're simply curious about ways to boost your food budget or save on groceries.

Website: https://projectbread.org/foodsource-hotline 

 

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB)

Partners with more than 600 hunger-relief agencies, including food pantries, community meal programs and other food assistance providers throughout the nine counties and 190 towns and cities across Eastern Massachusetts. They also provide SNAP application assistance.

Website: https://www.gbfb.org/need-food/ 

 

Other Food Banks in MA:

• The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts – serving Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties: https://www.foodbankwma.org/ 

• Worcester County Food Bank – serving Worcester County: https://foodbank.org/ 

• Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Inc. – serving select communities in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire: https://mvfb.org/ 

 

City of Boston – Find Your Food Pantry

Directs to Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) locator and local resources.

Website: https://www.boston.gov/departments/food-justice/find-your-food-pantry 

 

Housing & Financial Resources

RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition)

Can receive up to $7,000 per 12-month period for rent, utilities, moving costs, or mortgage help; statewide application.

Website: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-raft-emergency-help-for-housing-costs 

 

City of Boston – Office of Housing Stability

Tenant help in crises (eviction, fire, condemnation), know-your-rights, and referrals (617-635-4200).

Website: https://www.boston.gov/departments/housing/office-housing-stability 

 

City of Boston – Housing portal & programs

Broader housing initiatives and links.

Website: https://www.boston.gov/departments/housing 

 

Finding Home (NAMI Massachusetts guide)

A resource guide to assist with housing search: what to expect, how to approach, and support systems.

Website: https://namimass.org/finding-home/ 

 

Mental Health & Crisis Support

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL)

24/7 statewide line to connect you to mental health & substance use care (call/text 833-773-2445; chat at masshelpline.com). Free, confidential, no insurance required.

Website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/behavioral-health-help-line-bhhl-faq 

 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call/text 988 (24/7, confidential); connects to local crisis centers.

Website: https://988lifeline.org/get-help/what-to-expect/ 

 

Samaritans (MA)

24/7 emotional support & suicide prevention; includes Hey Sam peer text line for people up to age 24.

Website: https://samaritanshope.org/