Somerville Seeks Artist for Know Your Rights Campaign

The City of Somerville is putting out a call to artists to help turn critical Know Your Rights information into an inspiring, engaging, visual campaign. 

Through the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs (SOIA), the City is seeking an artist to create a bold, vibrant design that will anchor its 2026 Know Your Rights campaign — a citywide effort to make sure immigrant residents and all community members have clear, accessible information during a time when many residents are living with real fear and uncertainty and seeking to understand their rights.

The City is specifically inviting artists with immigrant backgrounds, and those with strong ties to Somerville, to apply. Artists will receive a $4,000 stipend, with applications open now through April 21, 2026. The selected artist will be notified on April 24.

Artists can apply by submitting a concept, work samples, and a short statement through somervillema.gov/KYRartists. AI generated imagery will not be considered.

“Somerville is a city that shows up for each other,” said Mayor Jake Wilson. “That includes making sure all of us understand our rights and can access that information easily. These rights are enshrined in our Constitution and our laws, and everyone should be able to know and exercise them. This artwork will help make that real in people’s everyday lives.”

The selected artwork will appear across Somerville to raise awareness of Know Your Rights information directly in public spaces where people live, move, and gather.

“This campaign is about making sure everyone has access to information that can protect them — clearly, visibly, and in ways that resonate,” said María Teresa Nagel, SOIA Director. “We know many in our community are navigating fear and uncertainty right now. This artwork will help us make rights visible, accessible, and rooted in the strength and dignity of our immigrant communities.”

Apply now: somervillema.gov/KYRartists

For questions, contact the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs at soia@somervillema.gov or 617-666-3311.

Persons with disabilities can request accommodations to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville by contacting the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov in advance of the event.

If you need assistance understanding this information, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311). The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.