I have always loved Street art...
… there is just something about it. Perhaps, it is the inherently subversive nature of street art, the frequently unfiltered messages and the periodic appearance of cool new pieces around town. I don’t know. There is an inherent power in the ability of any art made for public consumption to incorporate different voices and perspectives, that for far too long have been dramatically under represented in our creative landscape, while adding back critical layers to our cultural dialogues and adding depth to our ongoing social, political and economic discussions. Say what you will about them but Public art and Street art are unique and powerful in their ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.
To make art of any type, not just visual, is a very hopeful and at times defiant act. The Art Walk Project is centered on the idea that art can be for anyone and that it can be a unifying force that helps us build new connections and stronger communities by strengthening existing ones. In many ways The Art Walk Project was created as my reaction to the isolation caused by the prolonged pandemic lockdown. The resulting Art Walks are an exploration of creativity and community that were designed to create a unique experience for each individual participant while encouraging them explore the world and who they are within in.
The Art Walk Project debuted in late August 2020 with the Central Square Art Walk. Through a curated series of self guided creative adventures The Art Walk Project gently encourages people to experience an area, familiar or not, through the lens of public art. The Art Walk Project currently features sixteen unique tours that cover approximately 30 miles of art walk spread throughout the Metro Boston area, Cambridge, New Bedford and Providence, Rhode Island with new art walks added every year.
As a public art project about public art, each Art Walk features art from across a broad spectrum of vision, experience, style and time and is centered on a specific geographic location. Included in each walk is a short written post about the neighborhood and the art, a custom designed map, information about the artists (website, IG handle where available), a photo gallery and downloadable versions of the art walk maps and art list which are available for 5.00 each.
The Art Walk Project is female and Latina owned and operated. All Images and content © Julia Swanson, 2025. For questions or Press inquiries please contact me here.
Thank you for your support and thank you for stopping by. As always live creatively and travel safely!
Above: map of neighborhoods of Boston and Cambridge where there are Art Walks. Below: Art Walks in Massachusetts and Rhode Island
THE TEAM
CREATIVE DIRECTOR/OWNER
The creator and founder of The Art Walk Project, Julia Swanson is a multidisciplinary artist, producer and award winning photographer who has been creating dynamic art and experiences for more than a decade. Through her work she often explores themes such community, identity and evolution through a combination of visual and multimedia storytelling. As a multiple award winning artist her projects have been featured in multiple news outlets and she is currently working as a multimedia producer, creative director and multidisciplinary artist based out of Boston, MA. To see more of her work, please visit jscreatesonline.com
JULIA SWANSON (SHE/HER)
