Starlight Square is a safe, outdoor space for community located in the heart of Central Square, Cambridge. Since opening in August 2020, it has been a performance venue, winter market, restaurant and bar, flu clinic, site for voter registration, food distribution, and much, much more. This winter, we are looking for a programming partner to imagine its next use.

We are currently accepting applications by experienced community organizers and organizations for free and COVID-safe programs, open to the public, utilizing the Starlight outdoor venue space (5,200 SF). Such a program could center food security, recreation, youth or senior programming, public art-making—something we haven’t imagined yet! Funds can be used to expand the capacity of an existing program, transition a program safely outdoors, and/or concept something new for the space.

Successful applications will clearly outline how and when a program would be run and who it would serve, beginning January 15th and running through March 28th (exact start and end dates to be finalized). Applicants will have access to the space for installation and/or setup from January 8th – January 15th. Applicants should consider COVID-19 safety measures and winter conditions.

Please note, we don’t expect seven days a week of programming!

To support this initiative, the BID will provide a program stipend of up to $25,000 for the nine-week period.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until 1/1/2021.

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