Looking to explore new art around Boston? Look up! WINTERACTIVE, an outdoor public art exhibition, is on display across Downtown Boston through March 30. Commissioned by the Downtown Boston Alliance, or DBA, WINTERACTIVE features 24 pop-up artworks at 17 sites.
“It’s even bigger than last year,” said Kelsey Pramik, director of special projects at DBA.
First launched in 2024, WINTERACTIVE debuted with installations such as “Endgame” by Max Streicher, which featured two inflatable clown heads wedged between buildings in Harlem Place Alley. Following its online virality, this year’s installations opened Jan. 15.
Popular works include “Sonic Runway” by Rob Jensen and Warren Trezevant, a light and sound installation at City Hall Plaza that sends waves of light at the speed of sound, and “Alouette” by Brandon Vickerd, a replica of a 1962 Canadian satellite appearing to have crashed onto a car near Downtown Crossing. Through the streets and alleyways of Boston, exhibitions have emerged, suspended between buildings and along familiar narrow roads.
The idea for WINTERACTIVE began after DBA President Michael Nichols visited a business consortium in Quebec City, Canada, in 2023.
“Boston has been behind in outdoor activation in the winter,” Nichols said. “We’re a cold-weather city, and we weren’t programming much for it. [The] Quebec province has these really vibrant, art-forward experiences and cultural events in the winter months.”
DBA collaborated primarily with Canadian-based curatorial partners to bring a mix of “quirky, off-kilter art and interactive elements people can engage with,” Nichols said. In addition to Canadian artists, WINTERACTIVE’s artist collective also displays works by national and local artists.
Public reception has been enthusiastic. Across social media posts and in-person, visitors and locals alike have shared their experiences with the exhibitions.
“I love public art, especially when it’s cold and disgusting out because it gives you a reason to go outside, look around and explore the city,” said Taylor Bissitte, a recent graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
Bissitte pointed to “Mr. Pink 1,” an inflatable pink sculpture by French artist Philippe Katerine standing atop the entrance to the Winthrop Center. The piece is one of six similar sculptures located across rooftops and alleyways, introducing Le Mignonisme — an artistic movement that celebrates the beauty in everyday life — to the city center. The movement focuses on simplicity and whimsy through color.
“It’s designed to get people out and moving, to find new favorite spots while experiencing public art,” Pramik said. Public art is essential for building community unity and advancing urban equity initiatives.
DBA is already planning the next WINTERACTIVE exhibit for 2026. Pramik says they “would love if it became an annual tradition.”
Following the exhibition’s conclusion March 30, DBA plans to install a new public art piece at the site of “A Winter Messenger” by Breehan James, an assistant professor of art and painting at Boston University.
“I expect in future years we may expand to include non-art elements like concerts or outdoor activities beyond just the artworks,” Nichols said. “We want to add pops of color, warmth and activity in the middle of the winter.”
The best part, Nichols added, is that WINTERACTIVE is “available [and] free 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” To Nichols, generating interest in the Downtown area through free art begins with its openness.
A complete map of the artworks is available on DBA’s website and free tour guide stands are placed throughout Downtown.
