News from the Mayor’s Office regarding NEMPAC’s designation for space at two small buildings on Tileston Street, site of the former North Bennet Street School:
Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that the City of Boston has granted tentative designation to North End Music & Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC) as developer for 48-50 Tileston Street in the North End, a historic building formerly associated with the North Bennet St. School. The project was selected following an open call for proposals to create a suitable redevelopment plan for the vacant building. NEMPAC was selected based on their strong proposal and significant support from residents in the North End community as a way to activate the vacant space with music education programming.
“The North End Music and Performing Arts Center has worked closely with the City, community groups, and funding partners to turn this building into a state-of-the-art music education center for Boston’s young people to enjoy,” said Mayor Walsh. “I want to thank the Center for helping to transform this building into a welcoming space and providing access to the arts in a unique and historic setting.”
The North End Music and Performing Arts Center plans to renovate the historic 2,200 square foot building to meet accessibility requirements, update classrooms into creative instructional spaces, and expand their educational programing including; music, theatre, and public performances that reach thousands in their community.
“We are grateful to Mayor Walsh and the City of Boston for recognizing the value of the arts. The former historic Pauline Shaw House will enable NEMPAC to enhance its commitment to music, dance, and theater for our local community and beyond,” said Dianne Royle, President of NEMPAC Board of Directors.
This partnership aligns directly with Boston Creates, the City’s ten-year cultural plan for enhancing arts and culture in the City of Boston, by supporting the availability, accessibility, and sustainability of cultural spaces for local arts organizations.
“With this additional space, Mayor Walsh and the City of Boston are supporting the power of the arts to build strong communities, develop well-rounded children, and make arts programming accessible to all. We appreciate their recognition of the tremendous success NEMPAC has had in leading that effort in the North End and the surrounding neighborhoods of Boston.” said Sherri Snow, Executive Director of NEMPAC.
The North End Music & Performing Arts Center is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) cultural organization dedicated to youth empowerment and community development through music and the arts. They are a key resource for arts programming in the North End/Waterfront and surrounding neighborhoods. NEMPAC performance programs, concerts and special events help make the North End of Boston a destination for arts and culture.Their after-school program serves more than 1350 young people from all neighborhoods of Boston alternative ways to express their creativity while building cultural understanding.
This is wonderful news!
Congratulations! Good news indeed!
Thank you Mayor Walsh and State Rep Aaron Michlewitz for your continued support for NEMPAC! Our enrollment has increased, our students have grown into proud young musicians, and we continue to bring professional concerts and opera to the City of Boston thanks to all of you who support us to make it all possible!!!
Congratulations to NEMPAC and all those who made this possible!
Does this mean they will relinquish their request for the Tunnel Building on the Greenway/North Street parcel?
Congratulations! I was privileged to be part of this journey from its beginning and know how hard this success was to achieve. Good things are always worth the wait. A true win for the City, Community and most importantly the children .
Congratulations to Nempac and all the students and teachers who worked diligently to make the happen.
So glad to hear NEMPAC finally has the breathing room it needs to continue its valuable mission. Their dedication and excellence in fostering the musical development of an entire community is so very unique. Bravo!