Pao Arts Center Announces MBTA Campaign in Celebration of Pride Month
In honor of Pride Month in June, Pao Arts Center presents an MBTA campaign that explores the theme of "chosen family" within the context of the Asian diaspora and the LGBTQ+ community. Pao Arts Center released a call for artists in March of this year to an overwhelmingly positive response. Artists were encouraged to reflect on the importance of building supportive and empowering connections within the community, navigating intersectional identities, and embracing the diversity that exists within the queer AAPI experience. The call was open to all queer artists across the Asian diaspora with a preference given to artists based in Boston or greater New England area.
“We are excited to be featuring the work of such talented, queer AAPI artists. The campaign’s success lies in its subtly—those who know what the phrase “chosen family” means feel affirmed and those who wish to learn more are invited to join the conversation.”
Artwork by artists (L-R): Cara Lew, Emily Ramai Kim, and Mrinaalika Sivakumar
After careful review by Pao Arts Staff, three finalists were selected: Mrinaalika Sivakumar, Emily Ramai Kim, and Cara Lew. While each of the finalists’ artwork was visually compelling by itself, the team also selected them based on their ability to read well together as a series.
The billboard campaign will launch on June 3, 2024, and will be visible on MBTA platforms throughout Boston until June 23, 2024. We encourage everyone to keep an eye out for these stunning pieces and to join us in celebrating the diverse artistic voices that enrich our city.
This campaign was supported by the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC), Pao Arts Center, AAPI Empowerment Project and the Department of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling Services.
