A Canadian Art Experience in Downtown Boston
The first year of WINTERACTIVE ran from January–April 2024. Presented by the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District, it featured 16 public-art pieces and interactive play elements installed throughout Downtown Boston. Enjoyed by an estimated 400,000 visitors, the walkable outdoor experience was named “Best Public Art Installation” by Boston Magazine and honored with a Boston Design Week Social Impact Award. Stay tuned for more information about what’s in-store for 2025!
Artworks
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Echoes—A Voice From Uncharted Watersby Mathias Gmachl
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Island of Warmthby ATOMIC3
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Endgame (Nagg & Nell)by Max Streicher
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Territories 2.0by Olivier Roberge
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Untitledfive pieces by Mark Jenkins
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Myth and Evidenceby Mathieu Valade
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Play Featuresfive pieces by LeMonde Studio
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Blissful Rendezvousby Kezna Dalz
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Echoes—A Voice from Uncharted Waters is an interactive sound-and-light work that invites us to look and listen closely. The installation—a massive, colourful representation of a whale—symbolizes our blue planet’s flora and fauna. It asks us to consider the impact of our everyday activities on nature and the environment, making us more aware of their fragility. Interacting respectfully with the marine mammal’s vital space takes us into an enigmatic melodic world. But if we get too close, we are assaulted by noise pollution emitted by the industrialized world. The installation is a meditation on our harmful invasions of Earth’s ecosystems.
Artist Statement: “With Echoes—A Voice from Uncharted Waters, I want to provide an open space—a platform—for the public to have conversations about the future of our planet. Not just about whales, but of all life that exists. The need to create room to learn, and dream, of a better future feels more pressing than ever. The installation is my small contribution towards a larger shift in the narratives and actions needed.” –Mathias Gmachl
Medium: steel structure on baseYear Created: 2021Artist Place of Origin: United KingdomArtist: @mathiasgmachlEchoes—a voice from uncharted waters, by Mathias Gmachl, a co-production of Quartier des spectacles Partnership (Canada) MuseumsQuartier Wien (Austria) and the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura (Switzerland), distributed by QDSinternational
QDSinternational is a not-for-profit organization that produces and distributes participatory installations for public spaces in collaboration with creative partners, co-producers and exhibitors around the world.
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This installation is an interactive, musical, visual and luminous experience—an urban bonfire comprising 220 light bulbs that flicker in response to spectators’ movements. Whether they sway or dance, festivalgoers stir the virtual embers and trigger flames that dance, spark and swirl, creating warmth, light and music. A shared experience conceived as a tribute to Montreal’s inclusive festive tradition.
Artist Statement: “The idea is to create a downtown space where people can gather around a high-tech bonfire. The ‘fire’ is made of 220 incandescent bulbs that generate heat. A bonfire is a primal ritual for all Quebecers. Even though ours is modern and interactive, people will naturally gravitate to it.” —Felix Dagenais, co-founder of Atomic 3
Medium: steel and light fixturesArtist Place of Origin: CanadaArtist: @atomic3ca -
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Endgame (Nagg & Nell)
by Max StreicherThe scene seems absurd: two inflatable clown heads stuck between building walls. Compounding the strangeness, the figure of the clown—an object of mirth—takes a turn for the disturbing, depending on our point of view and our level of sensitivity.
The title Endgame (Nagg & Nell) refers to the Beckett play in which two characters, Nagg and Nell, live out their days in a dumpster after losing their legs…
Medium: recycled vinyl signs, fans, steel cableYear Created: 2019Artist Place of Origin: Toronto, ON, CanadaArtist: @maxstreicherartEvery year, EXMURO arts publics makes astonishingly unique works of public art travel from Quebec City to other cities in North America and across the world. This year, EXMURO is pleased to present some of them to Boston as part of WINTERACTIVE. EXMURO is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create, produce, exhibit and tour contemporary art projects in public space. Through these various projects, it aims to enrich the urban experience by sparking moments of encounter, sharing and reflection.
Some of the artworks presented were originally created for the public art trail PASSAGES INSOLITES, produced by EXMURO arts publics and presented by the City of Québec.
Connect with Exmuro
exmuro.com
Twitter: @exmuroqc
Facebook: @EXMURO arts publics
Instagram: @exmuroqc -
A mysterious metallic cube, from which glows a starry firmament, has landed unexpectedly in the city. Anyone who ventures inside will discover a true narrative microcosm: a diorama carefully designed to both captivate and induce apprehension. It is a miniature landscape depicting a natural environment that has been abundantly transformed by human intervention and climate change.
In this second version of the work Territories, the once winterly panorama gives way to a summer climate and the staging of nature in the midst of transformation. The expanse of the land is visually interrupted by billboards and graffiti intrusions. Typical of the materialization of the (in)compatible specific to Olivier Roberge’s artistic approach, these colliding symbols allude to capitalist interests perpetrated by consumerism as well as the need for individual expression that counterbalances them. Could the fiery visuals appearing on the boards be a sign of destruction, or of the hope of regeneration?
Please note: this piece may best be enjoyed at night when the lights inside the diorama shine!
Medium: steel, polycarbonate, paint, miniature models, LED lightingYear Created: 2021Artist Place of Origin: Deschambault, QC, CanadaArtist: @orobergeEvery year, EXMURO arts publics makes astonishingly unique works of public art travel from Quebec City to other cities in North America and across the world. This year, EXMURO is pleased to present some of them to Boston as part of WINTERACTIVE. EXMURO is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create, produce, exhibit and tour contemporary art projects in public space. Through these various projects, it aims to enrich the urban experience by sparking moments of encounter, sharing and reflection. Some of the artworks presented were originally created for the public art trail PASSAGES INSOLITES, produced by EXMURO arts publics and presented by the City of Québec.
Connect with Exmuro
exmuro.com
Twitter: @exmuroqc
Facebook: @EXMURO arts publics
Instagram: @exmuroqc -
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Untitled
five pieces by Mark Jenkins-
Untitled #1 (Fisherman): Summer St at Chauncy St
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Untitled #2 (The swing): Winter St at Tremont St
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Untitled #3 (Woman suspended): Temporarily unavailable
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Untitled #4 (Stair walker): 31 Bromfield St
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Untitled #5 (Clothesline): 9 West St
A series of characters scattered in the alleys and corners of the Downtown Boston district engage in playful activities. One swings through the air, between two buildings; another sits on top of a balcony fishing for some love. Cast at human scale and in ordinary clothes, these disarmingly realistic trompe-l’oeil sculptures have passersby doing double-takes to make sure they aren’t real people in alarming positions. Through the strong reactions they provoke, Jenkins’ installations invite us to reflect on our norms for acceptable behaviour in public space and on the blurring boundaries between what is fake and what is real.
Mark Jenkins is a street artist who takes over public space with hyperrealistic sculptures of people in surprising locations. The cityscape provides a theatre for these figures, which the artist develops in a site-specific process. Placed in unusual positions, they interact with the built environment in astonishing and sometimes absurd ways.
Medium: clothing, wrapping tape, wigs, wood, metal, rope, fishing rod, waterproof coatingYear Created: 2021Artist Place of Origin: Washington, D.C., United StatesArtist: @xmarkjenkinsxEvery year, EXMURO arts publics makes astonishingly unique works of public art travel from Quebec City to other cities in North America and across the world. This year, EXMURO is pleased to present some of them to Boston as part of WINTERACTIVE. EXMURO is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create, produce, exhibit and tour contemporary art projects in public space. Through these various projects, it aims to enrich the urban experience by sparking moments of encounter, sharing and reflection. Some of the artworks presented were originally created for the public art trail PASSAGES INSOLITES, produced by EXMURO arts publics and presented by the City of Québec.
Connect with Exmuro
exmuro.com
Twitter: @exmuroqc
Facebook: @EXMURO arts publics
Instagram: @exmuroqc -
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A light emanating from the interior of a frosted glass display case hints at the silhouette of a legendary creature: a unicorn. The translucent surface blurs the reading of its realistic-looking forms. Both exposed and concealed, elusive and imprisoned, the evanescent presence of the magical being exudes a certain magnetism. There is no doubt that this symbol of purity and grace, which has captured the Western imagination for centuries, still exerts its powers of fascination.
Medium: urethane animal shape, faux fur, metal, polycarbonate, plywood, woodYear Created: 2017Artist Place of Origin: Chicoutimi, QC, CanadaArtist: @m_valadeEvery year, EXMURO arts publics makes astonishingly unique works of public art travel from Quebec City to other cities in North America and across the world. This year, EXMURO is pleased to present some of them to Boston as part of WINTERACTIVE. EXMURO is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create, produce, exhibit and tour contemporary art projects in public space. Through these various projects, it aims to enrich the urban experience by sparking moments of encounter, sharing and reflection.
Some of the artworks presented were originally created for the public art trail PASSAGES INSOLITES, produced by EXMURO arts publics and presented by the City of Québec.
This work was produced and presented for Manif d’art 8—The Quebec City Biennial.
Connect with Exmuro
exmuro.com
Twitter: @exmuroqc
Facebook: @EXMURO arts publics
Instagram: @exmuroqc -
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Play Features
five pieces by LeMonde Studio-
Light Lane Bikes: Summer St Pedestrian Plaza
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Guitar Slide: City Hall Plaza
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Music Box: High Street Place Entrance
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Photo Frame: Summer Street Pedestrian Plaza
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Bird House: Hyatt Regency
The Downtown Boston Business Improvement District has partnered with LeMonde Studio to bring 5 play elements to the neighborhood. Whether you are turning a crank, riding a bicycle, or taking a photo, your actions will unlock light displays and/or music. Enjoy the Light Lane Bikes, the Bird House, the Music Box, the Guitar Slide, and the WINTERACTIVE photo frame. Don’t forget to tag #WINTERACTIVE when sharing your pictures!
WINTERACTIVE Photo Frame
This is no ordinary photo frame! Be sure to crank the wheel beside the frame to have the perfect soundtrack to accompany your picture-perfect moment! One of Downtown Boston’s most iconic views becomes your own personal step-and-repeat photo opportunity. Be sure to tag #Winteractive on social media with your own photo to join our Bostonian locals and visitors from around the world who spent a warm moment in the Photo Frame!
Music Box
The Music Box relies on people-power to highlight a more sustainable future, as this musical experience is electricity-free. Share your energy by cranking the Music Box and listen for the sounds of a familiar tune…
Guitar Slide
The Guitar Slide relies on people-power to highlight a more sustainable future, as this musical experience is electricity-free. Share your energy by cranking the wheel on the side ahead of taking a ride on our 14-foot Guitar Slide! All ages are invited to interact with this fun and lovingly crafted #WINTERACTIVE play experience.
Bird House
You thought birds in Boston migrate somewhere warm for the winter? Think again! This whimsical bird house sculpture requires your elbow grease to crank the lower box. When you do, our two winter residents up top will colorfully come alive and offer some harmonious musical delights that will have us all eagerly anticipating the spring season ahead!
Light Lane Bikes
Boston is rapidly becoming one of the most bike-friendly cities in America, and our Light Lane Bikes won’t even require you to pedal up Bunker Hill, Beacon Hill, or Boston’s highest elevation at Bellevue Hill! WINTERACTIVE’s four Light Lane Bikes are beautiful all day long but ride them at night to best project the bikes’ illuminated displays onto the Summer Street Pedestrian Plaza! Pick the right bike, and you might even hear the sounds of one of Boston’s most iconic anthems… but when you hear it, pedal quickly, as it’s not a song meant to be heard in slow motion! This all-encompassing installation can be enjoyed solo, with friends and family, or with new friends you make while sharing the Light Lane Bike experience!
Medium: wood, bike, light boxYear Created: 2024Artist Place of Origin: CanadaArtist: @lemondestudio -
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This colorful mural commissioned specifically for WINTERACTIVE 2024 highlights the commonalities between Boston and Quebec province through evoking the flora and fauna of both locations, while set against the historic landmarks of Downtown Boston. Whimsical and fun, Blissful Rendezvous also calls attention to the opportunity to connect and reconnect with loved ones while exploring WINTERACTIVE through this year’s winter season.
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Plan Your Visit
Where can I see WINTERACTIVE and how do I get there?
The artworks and design features can be found at 16 different walkable sites throughout the Downtown Boston neighborhood. Use the map above to navigate them!
When can I see WINTERACTIVE?
WINTERACTIVE will be on view through April 14, 2024—24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Does it cost money?
No, these artworks and play features are free and open to the public.
What else can I do while I’m in Downtown Boston?
While you’re downtown, explore the shopping, 150+ restaurants, nearby events, the nightlife offerings, and the rich tapestry of arts and cultural institutions.
For the latest on everything going on in Boston, we invite you to check out Meet Boston’s phenomenal site.
Where should I stay when I visit Downtown Boston?
And with 7 hotels in the immediate vicinity—including the exhibition’s Official Hotel Partner, the Hyatt Regency Boston, there are plenty of places to stay if you’d like to make a trip of it! And you can book hotels directly here.
Why “WINTERACTIVE”?
WINTERACTIVE is a combination of the words “Winter” and “Interactive”. The exhibit will transport Downtown Boston visitors into a Canadian winter mindset, inspiring viewers to put on a warm coat, fill a thermos with a hot drink, and explore a curated, walkable public art experience.
Why the focus on Quebec and Canada?
Throughout Canada, and especially in Quebec province, our northern neighbors know how to embrace winter! We are inspired by their festivals, large-format civic events, and art exhibitions and we hope WINTERACTIVE gives Bostonians and our visitors a reason to enjoy the winter season like the Quebecers! For more information on the amazing things happening north of the border, we invite you to visit bonjourquebec.com!
What’s the best way to see all of WINTERACTIVE and how long will it take?
That’s up to you! We encourage you to make your own path to see it all, but we’d estimate about 30 minutes of walking and a 1.25 mile trail to see everything! And if you’re newly visiting Boston, don’t worry—Downtown Boston is flat and easily walkable!