PEABODY, MA — Peabody is seeking artists to help shape the look of Foster Street through a new public art planter project tied to the city's Transformative Development Initiative district.
The Foster Street TDI District is inviting artists to apply to transform five metal planters into original works of public art as part of the area's initial three-year revitalization effort.
According to the announcement, the project will turn five 30" x 30" x 30" planters into pieces that combine natural elements with creative expression along the Foster Street corridor.
The Foster Street TDI District is one of seven Massachusetts communities selected for the Transformative Development Initiative in 2026.
The initiative is intended to bring together community partners and resources to support the revitalization of the corridor over the next three years.
"Public art is one of those simple investments that can have an outsized impact on how people experience a neighborhood," said Deanne Healey, President of the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce, a TDI Partner. "We're excited to help bring local artists into the TDI process and give them an opportunity to help shape the identity of Foster Street.
"These planters are just the beginning — we want to see Foster Street become a place where people want to stop, explore, connect, and spend time."
Artists may apply individually or as a group, with preference given to Peabody residents and groups. Each selected artist will receive an $800 stipend and will be responsible for providing the materials needed to complete the work.
The artwork must be original, appropriate for all ages, and designed to flow across all four sides of each planter as one connected piece.
"This is a chance for local artists to literally put their mark on the future of Foster Street," said Tim Brown, Director of Strategy and Innovation for Northeast Arc, another TDI Partner. "We're excited to see the creativity and ideas our community brings to this project."
Applications are due by 7 p.m. on Sept. 9. Selected artists will be notified by Sept. 11, and completed planters must be finished by Sept. 27, in time for Peabody's International Festival.
Applications, artist agreements and full project guidelines are available here.
Completed applications may be emailed to Tim Brown at TimBrown@ne-arc.org or mailed or hand delivered to parcels/Northeast Arc, 100 Independence Way, Suite N116E, Danvers, MA 01923.
A second call for artists for five additional planters is planned for spring 2027.
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