ArtBeat 2026 invited us to explore this year’s theme, REVolution—celebrating the power of creativity to inspire change, spark imagination, and bring people together. Throughout Davis Square, every performance, interactive activity, installation, and creative experience reflected that spirit in its own unique way.
As the day unfolded, REVolution became more than this year’s theme, it became something we experienced together. Creativity wasn’t only found on the stages or in the artwork, but also in the way artists, performers, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, City staff, community partners, and neighbors adapted, collaborated, and celebrated together. Even a brief summer shower became one more opportunity to embrace the moment with flexibility, resilience, and joy.
To everyone who helped make ArtBeat possible—our artists, performers, community organizations, volunteers, sponsors, City partners, vendors, staff, and every person who joined us—thank you! Your creativity, flexibility, and generosity made this year’s festival a beautiful celebration of what community can accomplish together.
Thank you to Carlos Ly Photography for beautifully capturing the spirit of ArtBeat 2026. We invite you to explore the gallery below and relive this year’s celebration through his photographs. The final six photos in the gallery, featuring the Dance Showcase, were captured by Somerville Arts & Culture staff.
