Bedford Cultural District

ultural district is a specific geographical area in a city or town that has a concentration of cultural facilities, activities, and assets. The Bedford Cultural District Partnership includes representatives from the Select Board, Planning Board, Bedford Arts and Crafts Society, Chamber of Commerce, Bedford Citizen, Cultural Council, First Parish, Historical Society, High School Art Program, and local artists, musicians, and performers.

Some of the goals for the Bedford Cultural District include:

  • Foster community cultural events and street festivals in the district
  • Support small business vibrancy and the formation of new artisan and creative businesses
  • Educate residents and visitors about Bedford's cultural resources
  • Encourage and expand cultural and artistic programming and rentals of Town facilities
  • Generate opportunities for public art and support the creation of an art walk on the Narrow Gauge Rail Trail
  • Create an incubator and display space for artists
  • Make opportunities for utility box and other streetscape art
  • Plan for significant expansion of the Historic Museum 

Activities Completed or Planned: 2022-23

  • District Map and Asset Guide
  • Street Art Mural on Mudge Way
  • District Pole Banners
  • Music & Arts Festival -June
  • Holiday Artisans Fair- December
  • Bedford Artist Directory
  • Two Mini Art Galleries
  • Coffeehouse Series
  • Madi Lord Sculpture Refurbish
  • Art Walk on Narrow Guage Trail 

 For more information contact : 781-275-1111 jmking@befordma.gov 

Upcoming Events:


Affirmation of Life: Art from Today's Ukraine

Exhibit and Sale of Ukrainian Art                                                                                                                   September 23rd- October 7th                                                                                                                       First Parish in Bedford, 75 Great Road                                                                                                             https://ukrainian-cultural-initiative.com/en                                                                           

This will be a rare chance to see and enjoy contemporary art from Ukraine. Much of this art will be on view for the first time in the United States and features work made by artists working in Ukraine today. This exhibit grew out of a two-part community lecture on Ukraine given by Bedford resident, Vlad Shapiro, this year at the church. The Ukrainian Cultural Initiative Society (UCIS) gratefully responded to the proposal for a showing of art created by artists literally under fire from the invasion of their country. Nataliya Proskura, one of UCIS founders, said: “The Exhibition’s goal is to show the American audience the beauty and capabilities of today's Ukrainian artists. The American community already knows about the incredible strength of the Ukrainian warrior and the power of its society. At the same time, Ukrainian art is not in the attention focus today. We strive to fill this gap just a little and begin to acquaint the American audience with art unknown to them so far."  

People in this region will have a unique opportunity to appreciate the depth and richness of the Ukrainian culture, coming directly from artists currently living and working there. Special performances and presentations will complement the art show. This show has the support of the Bedford Cultural District Partnership, The First Parish and the Ukrainian Cultural Initiative. The Gallery will be open during church hours 9am-2pm Monday through Friday. Special events as well as evening and weekend times will be announced. Private showings can also be arranged.

 All proceeds from this show will go to Mriya (https://mriya-ua.org), a non-profit organization created by local Ukrainians, mostly young professionals and students, to provide humanitarian support for Ukraine as well as support for the arts.                                                                                                      

Cultural Events Guide - Summer 2023

Contact

For questions about the Cultural District initiatives, please contact Jeff King, Housing and Economic Development Director, at 781-275-1111.

Please see the files on this page for the Cultural District Map and Cultural Assets Key.

The Mass Cultural Council, which is funded by the State Legislature, provides key financial and programmatic support for the Bedford Cultural District.