Art in New Bedford
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It’s no surprise that New Bedford has been ranked as one of the most artistic cities in America for several years. Throughout the city, there are many opportunities to see and experience art, whether a mural, an outdoor sculpture, a piece in a museum, or one of the many local artists’ galleries or studios.
Finding Art in New Bedford:
The Seaport Art Walk
The Seaport Art Walk presented by New Bedford Creative, is celebrating its 10th year of providing free public art in New Bedford. Visitors can view a collection of sculptures and murals in a self-guided tour along New Bedford’s waterfront, City Pier 3, and the Seaport Cultural District. New this year, is a collection of photography and original artwork displayed inside the gallery at Groundwork on Purchase Street in New Bedford. The Seaport Art Walk kicked off July 13th during AHA! Night and concludes on October 29th. Click to view the Seaport Art Walk Map.
DATMA
The Massachusetts Design Art & Technology Institute (DATMA) provides free and accessible arts programming to people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic levels of the Greater New Bedford community. This year, DATMA celebrates its 5th year with a return of the theme Shelter. “From the immigrants arriving to our shores in hopes of creating a new life to the families who have been here for generations, together we create a unique sense of place. Each person, culture, and tradition is instrumental in building a strong community, our true home and shelter.” Original works will be featured in Custom House Square, lower Union Street, and along the waterfront near Seastreak Ferry. Community Tides, a mural on Popes Island, can be seen by car on the New Bedford/Fairhaven bridge. Click to view the DATMA Shelter 2023 Map.
The New Bedford Art Museum
The New Bedford Art Museum offers engaging exhibitions, featuring both local artists and artists from around the world. The museum, a former bank building, creates a unique setting with continually changing exhibitions that vary in subject matter and artistic medium. The New Bedford Art Museum also offers educational opportunities, community events, and hands-on experiences, many of which are free. The artMobile travels across the city throughout the summer to bring free art activities to the community. Click for more information about the New Bedford Art Museum.
Art Galleries
The Kilburn Mill at Clarks Cove hosts dozens of galleries and studios, including Judith Klein Art Gallery, Colo Colo Gallery, and the New Bedford Arts and Culture Emporium. Here you’ll find a community of New Bedford artists and educators offering original art, as well as free and affordable classes and workshops. Hatch Street Studios serves as a workspace for more than 60 artists who specialize in a variety of media. Check out their Open Studio days where they open up to the public for live music, art demonstrations, and community connections. Downtown New Bedford is home to a number of boutiques that feature local art for sale, as well as several galleries of original art such as TL6 Gallery, Co-Creative Center, Gallery X, Interwoven, Paradise McFee Studio, and Alison Wells Fine Art Studio and Gallery. Stroll along the Seaport Cultural District and you’re sure to find art at every turn. Want to peruse artwork online? Click to view New Bedford Creative’s creative directory.
Looking for more free public art? Check out this self-guided public art walking tour map. Follow Destination New Bedford on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates about New Bedford Art!
