Mayor Ballantyne Inviting Community to ‘24 Hours of Culture' on August 16 to Celebrate BIPOC Arts, Community, and Culture

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Arts Council, in proud partnership with Circle Squared, are excited to present ‘24 Hours of Culture’, a celebration amplifying the diverse cultural heartbeat of the Somerville and Greater Boston on Saturday, August 16 (Rain date: August 17), at Union Square Plaza and Stone Park, from 4 to 10 p.m. 

Designed to uplift Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) voices and showcase local artists, performers, and community leaders, 24 Hours of Culture invites residents of all ages to engage with live performances, public art, and hands-on workshops. This event is free to attend and open to all ages. 

“Somerville is a city that thrives on creativity, inclusivity, and civic pride. Events like 24 Hours of Culture bring us together to celebrate who we are, and who we can become, through the arts, culture, and shared experiences.” said Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. 

Event highlights include: 

• Live performances from KAE ALAYAH, Forte, and DJ High Fadility
• Mural & Banner Making: Help co-create a visual piece representing community resilience 
• Zine Making with Guerrilla Mag: DIY publishing and storytelling 
• Afro-Futurism workshop 
• Collective Envisioning: A participatory space to reflect on what culture, healing, and joy look like in our neighborhoods 
• Lawn games, local vendors, and interactive exhibits 

“A welcoming, joyful space built for connection and creative expression. 24 Hours of Culture is about highlighting the best parts of our community to create the world we want to see.” said event producer Cidjud Felix. 

For more information, visit: somervilleartscouncil.org/events/24-hours.  

About Circle Squared 

Circle Squared is a BIPOC led and centered cultural curatorial organization amplifying communal agency as means to create the world we want to live in. Follow Circle Squared on Instagram (@circle.squared2) and use #24HoursofCulture when sharing event photos. 

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 to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.  

The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter in your language for free. To request an interpreter, please contact us at somerviva@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311) at least 7 days in advance of this event.   

This event will be videotaped by the City’s GovTV team. Watch it on-demand with optional closed-captioning (select the CC icon) on YouTube.com/SomervilleCityTV. Or watch on cable TV at GovTV (somervillema.gov/video) Comcast Ch. 22 and GovTV Astound (RCN) Ch. 13 & 613. Videos generally post within one business day of recording.