The Somerville Arts Council is excited to announce our 2026/2027 Open Call for Event Producers inviting creative individuals, artists, organizers, and community groups to imagine and produce cultural events across Somerville. Events will take place from July 2026 through February 2027, bringing vibrancy, connection, and creativity to neighborhoods throughout our city. Due to existing schedules, we are not seeking proposals for the months of September and October.
We’re seeking producers to develop 2–4 hour cultural events, performances, or participatory activations centered around a theme of their choice. Proposals may include dance, music, storytelling, film, multidisciplinary programming, or interactive art experiences. We especially encourage creative, small-scale ideas that extend beyond Somerville’s typical outdoor season and explore new partnerships, local businesses, and unexpected or underused spaces across the city.
“Our mission is to help others to produce events on their own while offering guidance on logistics and permitting. The events are a one-time commitment, and we are not committing for long–term annual event partnerships. Due to SAC and City capacity and only a select number of dates are open, this will be a competitive juried process.
We’re Looking For event partners that will collaborate closely with the Somerville Arts Council and be responsible for:
- Developing a theme or concept
- Curating talent and programming
- Creating a budget
- Planning and managing event logistics
- Helping promote the event, which will be co-billed as a SAC/your organization event
- Selected producers are required to attend check-ins when tasks/milestones must be completed; failure to adhere to the check-in schedule could jeopardize the partnership
Events may take place in a variety of neighborhoods. We especially welcome proposals that help us spread love and creative energy throughout the city, with a focus on activation in areas such as:
- Somerville City Hall Concourse
- East Somerville
- Winter Hill
- Blessing of the Bay park
- Clarendon Hill/Mystic (SHA)
Support Provided – Selected event partners will receive:
- Financial stipends for producers, artists, and supplies.
- Technical support
- Marketing and promotion through SAC channels
- Permitting assistance and coordination with city departments
Budget Guidelines
We are seeking proposals for small to medium-scale events. Event budgets may range from as low as $500 to $1,000 up to a maximum of $4,500. We encourage applicants to think creatively about producing meaningful programming at a smaller scale, partnering up with local businesses, parks, libraries, etc– Events must take place in Somerville. Budgets should be clearly itemized, showing how funds will be allocated. Being specific and transparent in your budget breakdown is an important part of the review process.
Who Should Apply – We welcome:
- First-time event producers
- Experienced cultural organizers
- Artists or collectives interested in public engagement
- Community-based arts and cultural groups
- Anyone excited to imagine something special for their neighborhood
We anticipate prioritizing Somerville-based producers.
Application deadline: Submit application by March 9th, 2026, 11:59 PM
Have questions? Join one of our virtual open office hours to learn more about the opportunity and application process:
- Tuesday, February 17, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Join here
- Thursday, February 26, 5:30 – 7:30 PM – Register here
- Tuesday, March 3, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Register here
Or please reach out to schedule a one-on-one call: Contact iaritza Menjivar – [email protected]
Coming soon! Learn how to do events in Somerville with our Events Toolkit.
Need some ideas? In 2006 we launched a similar program, ArtsUnion series, where we had slews of incredibly creative and quirky events, including a Moped Festival, the notorious Beard Festival, a Haitian film festival, silent movie nights scored by live bands, and “Som-R-ville in Smell-O-Vision”, a festival that celebrated Willy Wonka through sense of smell. We can’t wait to see your ideas and continue celebrating the creativity and diversity that make Somerville such a vibrant place to live.
Banner Photo: Flor Delgadillo doing a performance at the SomArt Space.