Our Story
2009 - 2010
In 2009, plans are initiated to establish a novel nonprofit organization aimed at offering services to artists across various disciplines in Massachusetts. Veronique Le Melle, then CEO of the Boston Center for the Arts, extends support by offering to incubate the budding organization. A diverse advisory board comprising artists and arts leaders is assembled to guide the initiative. Thus, Artmorpheus is christened and commences its mission by offering workshops, individual consulting, and online resources.
By 2010, a significant shift occurs in the landscape of artist support initiatives as the longstanding nonprofit, the Artists Foundation, which had served Boston's artistic community for over 35 years, ceases its operations. This development marks a notable transition in the local artistic support ecosystem, with Artmorpheus emerging as a potential successor to continue the legacy of aiding and empowering artists in the region.
2011 - 2012
In 2011, Artmorpheus achieves a significant milestone by officially establishing itself as a nonprofit entity. This pivotal moment is marked by the formation of its inaugural board of directors, setting the foundation for its organizational structure and governance.
In 2012, Artmorpheus embarks on a transformative journey by collaborating with artist Kelly Sherman to pioneer "New Art Love." This innovative online platform is crafted to empower art enthusiasts, facilitating their discovery and connection with local art and artists during Open Studio events. The project gains recognition as a MassChallenge finalist in the social enterprise category. Over the subsequent two years, Artmorpheus harnesses cutting-edge technologies and feedback from Greater Boston's artistic community and cultural organizations to develop five wayfinding apps for open studio events and an art festival. Additionally, the organization launches ArtAppBoston+, a pioneering statewide mobile guide offering insights into galleries, museums, and artist-run spaces, thereby amplifying the accessibility and visibility of the local art scene.
2013 - 2015
In 2013, Artmorpheus receives an invitation from the Boston Foundation to participate in the Fairmount Cultural Corridor (FCC) placemaking initiative. This initiative aims to harness the rich cultural assets and ethnic traditions along the Fairmount Indigo Commuter Line to foster vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods bolstered by a thriving local creative economy.
By 2015, buoyed by the support of FCC funders, partner Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, and the community, Artmorpheus embarks on a transformative journey. The organization repurposes underutilized commercial space in Uphams Corner, Dorchester, to establish the Fairmount Innovation Lab (FIL). FIL emerges as a dynamic cross-disciplinary incubator and hub, dedicated to nurturing underrepresented artists, creative, and social entrepreneurs. In a landmark moment, FIL launches its inaugural accelerator program tailored for artists and entrepreneurs, signaling a commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity within the local creative ecosystem.
2016 - 2020
In 2016, Artmorpheus collaborates with the Boston Center for the Arts to introduce the Artists Help Desk program. This initiative grants artists from various disciplines direct access to a diverse array of experts and art professionals, including curators, gallerists, outreach strategists, and more, enabling personalized one-on-one consultations to enhance their creative endeavors.
The same year, Artmorpheus undergoes a significant transition by relocating the Fairmount Innovation Lab (FIL) with the support of new partner Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corp. Securing a seed grant from MassDevelopment, Artmorpheus conducts a feasibility study for FIL's expansion. Consequently, FIL evolves into a dynamic hub offering workshops, events, and co-working spaces, attracting a diverse community of artists, entrepreneurs, and social innovators, thereby fostering collaboration and innovation. Additionally, in 2017, Artmorpheus, in partnership with the Massachusetts Artists Leadership Coalition, launches "By Artists For Artists," a statewide survey catering to artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs from all disciplines.
