Director’s Message

It is my hope that this booklet captures the creativity, passion, and dedication of our community. Artward Bound is an apt name that signifies both purpose and practice. It’s amazing to look back over the last 10-plus years to where we are today. We now have alumni who have graduated college and are out in the world as the next generation of artists and designers. So many friendships, memories, and experiences have been created, and a lot of art too! Most of the students and staff say that Artward Bound is a family. We spend years learning and working together asking the big questions, laughing, stretching, drawing endlessly, and pushing ourselves and each other to be the best creatives that we can be. All of us are trying to figure out our purpose and our path. To do that growing, figuring, and imagining in a place that cares — that gives you the resources and support you need is truly remarkable.

We have the opportunity to think generationally, to think about what the world needs in the next 10 years and beyond. Education, connection, and resources will always make the difference between “I wish” and “I will”. Ten years ago, Artward Bound was just an idea of creating a supportive program for Boston-area high school students of color to see MassArt as their public art school; to see themselves here, creating, drawing, designing, and making the field of art and design look more like Boston. Today, Artward Bound is a proven pathway to art school and a distinguished part of the college. MassArt is a more diverse, interesting, and dynamic place than it was before — and yet, there is still much to do, change, and cultivate in order to reflect the diversity of this great city. The fields of arts and design as well as most professional institutions are still lacking in the representation of people of color but things ARE changing. It’s exciting to know that the many students, staff, colleagues, families, partners, funders, and others that have been touched by this program will take these values and experiences to many other communities. We are proud of the many hands that have woven love and support into the fabric of a rich arts- and design-based education and are ready to welcome the next generation of creatives!

Truly, we are Artward Bound!

Chandra Méndez-Ortiz Executive Director of Artward Bound Co-Director, Radical Imagination for Racial Justice