About Us

Dorchester Arts Collaborative History

The Dorchester Arts Collaborative was founded in 2002 by Rosanne Foley and Joyce Linehan, two Dorchester residents who wanted to work with artists and community organizations to build on the success of the Open Studios event that had been taking place at Pearl Street Studios for 16 years prior.

In Joyce’s living room one evening in March 2002, about 20 local artists and others interested in supporting the arts in Dorchester gathered to share ideas and vision. With partners and supporters that included The Dorchester Reporter and The Codman Square Health Center, the Dorchester Arts Collaborative (DAC) arrived on the scene.

We are dancers, painters, sculptors, musicians, poets, writers, patrons of the arts, lovers of everything Dorchester. We are you pursuing your creative dream.

DAC's inaugural project, the First Annual Dorchester Open Studios took place in October 2002. That year, 52 artists exhibited their work at a few  group locations and home studios. The event established DAC as a viable community organization and has grown into a strong annual tradition that showcases artists working in a wide variety of media from paintings and photographs to jewelry and wearable art. Open Studios also draws audiences from well beyond the neighborhood and provides an opportunity to build connections among community organizations.

Joyce and Rosanne had envisioned many possibilities for cooperation between artists of various media and community partners to highlight the positive aspects of the Dorchester community. That vision continues today under the leadership of the current board of directors.

Over the years, the DAC has become a strong community partner and resource, hosting a series of breakfast gatherings that present speakers on various topics—from local politics to the state of the arts in Boston; contributing to renovations in Peabody Square, including facilitating the installation of a large-scale “Sleeping Moon” sculpture by local artist Joseph Wheelwright; and organizing programs that spark conversations, including a panel discussion on the work of Sister Corita Kent, who designed the rainbow painting splashed across the gas tanks at the Savin Hill Yacht Club.

DAC remains committed to facilitating and supporting arts of all genres and arts programming in Dorchester. Please take a look at our web site, keep an eye on our calendar, become a member, and visit us during the annual Open Studios weekend.