About USEA
The USEA is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization comprised of artists in Boston’s South End. Our events are made possible by charitable contributions from businesses, institutions, and private individuals. To make a donation please click HERE.
Our History
In 1986 a group of artists at the Boston Center for the Arts invited friends and neighbors into their studios to view their art. As other artists in the area became interested in the event, the United South End Artists was formed, and the South End Open Studios weekend came into being. Today the event covers six studio buildings and more than 300 artists, encompassing all of Boston’s South End, attracting thousands of visitors from surrounding neighborhoods and towns, as well as the greater Boston area. In 1996 the USEA was granted 501(c)3 status. The South End Open Studios event allows visitors to see where and how art is made, and to meet the artists.
The organization supports artists in many other ways and regularly adds programming with input from individual members and the Board of Directors.
Our Mission
To cultivate a community that promotes art and artistic development in Boston’s South End. We believe that an informed artist is a creative artist, and that an informed audience is an engaged audience. We believe that art is not only meant to be seen and shared, but also something to be experienced. Toward these ends we are dedicated to:
– Annual sponsorship of South End Open Studios — a premier venue for showcasing the works of South End artists
– Creating opportunities for artists to meet and learn from each other through sponsored talks about art and the business of art, creative group activities, networking events, and more.
– Promoting member art and events through social media and in newsletters.