SoBACC Task Force Executive Summary

It is the vision of the people of South Boston to build an Arts and Cultural Center that will serve the diverse needs of the community. Residents of South Boston,
old and new, have debated, discussed and yearned for a local, independent, multi-use facility, where artists of all types can create and share their works and talents with the community. Since 2000, research, surveys, and analysis by the civic community have communicated a strong need for an Arts and Cultural Center in South Boston.

Interested members of the community have formed the South Boston Arts and Cultural Center Task Force. Its mission is to establish an Arts and Cultural Center in South Boston and house the facility in the former
District 6 Police Station on D Street. 
The Center will fulfill a need for permanent office, meeting, and studio space for independent nonprofit community organizations in a venue where artists of
all kind can share their work and talents through exhibits, performances, and educational and community outreach programs. The facility will be used for everything from a performance venue for established theatrical groups to a gathering place for pre-school play-dates. It is envisioned that much of the space will be multi-use in its design to accommodate as many different types of organizations as possible.

The Center will provide economic value to the South Boston community and the City of Boston as a whole. Obviously the construction of the facility will provide job opportunities for many tradesmen, but more importantly, this Arts and Cultural Center will serve as the focal point for economic development in the entire area. It will create increased revenue for existing businesses and will provide a positive incentive to businesses seeking to expand or locate in the West Broadway area. Strong research has proven that the arts support a healthy business climate.

The final design of the facility is contingent on the space and funding constraints, but the vision is for a three story building that will house an internet coffee café, gift shop, state of the art performance theater, combination gallery/ballroom/auditorium, conference rooms, classroom/multi-use space, studio workshops, and office space for neighborhood organizations. And finally, our South Boston heritage will have a permanent home for all to see and experience.

Funding for this endeavor will be divided into two parts. The construction phase of the project will be financed through a combination of local, state, and federal grants; and business, foundation, and individual and family contributions. The ongoing operations will be funded by a combination of contributions and income generated by the facility. Examples of this income include revenue from the café and gift shop, theatrical performance income, and rental income for the use of the facility by various artists and organizations.

The establishment of the South Boston Arts and Cultural Center will be a tremendous asset to the community. The facility will be a focal point for the neighborhood, enhancing both the commercial and residential life of the people in it.

For further information, contact us at

info@sobacc.org