Join the New Somerville Armory Advisory Board

With the Armory Master Plan now complete, the City is embarking on an important first step in the community-driven plan. Community members are invited to apply to join the new volunteer Somerville Armory Advisory Board. This opportunity is for arts professionals and residents. If you’re passionate about arts and culture for all, this is a great opportunity to make an impact. The deadline to apply is Monday, July 14.
 

What is the Somerville Armory Advisory Board (AAB)?

The Somerville Armory is the city-owned 34,000-square-foot public arts center located at 191 Highland Avenue. The AAB is dedicated to supporting the Armory’s mission to serve as a thriving arts and cultural center for the full community. Board members will honor the goals of the Master Plan while providing recommendations to the Mayor. They will advise on selecting Armory tenants, as well as on investment priorities for revenues and funds raised for building improvements and service upgrades.  

Who Can Join?

The city is seeking three professional members of the local arts community and two residents, including one resident who resides in the Armory area.  

• Three (3) representatives of Somerville’s arts community:
  • This includes individuals who are producers, presenters, or curators; artists; staff or board members of local arts organizations or related nonprofits; teaching artists.
  • Arts professionals do not need to be Somerville residents but must be connected to the arts ecosystem in Somerville.
• Two (2) Somerville residents:
  • One resident of either Ward 3 or Ward 5
  • Not sure of your ward? You can look it up here: somervillema.gov/mysomerville
  • One resident of the city

Who is not eligible for this board?

• Somerville Arts Council board members
• Current and prospective tenants of the Armory
• Staff or board members of current or prospective tenants of the Armory
• Immediate abutters of the Armory

What knowledge would be helpful to the board?

All are welcome to apply. The City seeks diverse perspectives. Any of the following knowledge would be helpful to the board’s work, but is not required:

• Knowledge of arts organizations and Somerville arts ecosystem    
• Knowledge of the setting of the Armory within the Spring Hill neighborhood
• Knowledge of multi-tenant or shared-space building dynamics    
• Knowledge of building systems and structural needs

What is the Time Commitment?

The Armory Advisory Board shall meet not less than quarterly. Meetings may need to be as frequent as weekly at times to efficiently make decisions when required. Meetings may be held in person or remotely via video conference or teleconference, but in all cases all members must be able to participate in discussions and vote on agenda items.    

What is the Appointment Process?

Members are volunteers appointed to a three-year term. Members will be appointed by the Mayor based on recommendations submitted by a review panel. The panel will include, but not be limited to, one member of the City Council and representatives of the Somerville Arts Council and Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development. Members may reapply to be reappointed at the end of their term.  

What is the Deadline to Apply?

Applications are due by end of day on Monday, July 14th 2025.  

How Do I Apply?

Online:  

Fill out the online form at https://voice.somervillema.gov/armory-master-plan  

Via U.S. Mail or Drop-Off to City Hall:

Request an application form from Ted Fields at tfields@somervillema.gov.

You can either drop-off the form at the Welcome Desk as Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue or mail it to Ted Fields, OSPCD Economic Development Division, City Hall - 3rd Floor, 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville MA 02413.

Questions?

For more information, please contact City staff at armory@somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600x2552

The City of Somerville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities free of charge, upon request.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov.