The Institute of Contemporary Art plans to continue to use the Watershed, its seasonal exhibition space in East Boston, as a site to distribute food to families struggling with the health and economic effects of the coronavirus, the Boston museum announced. Arts programming planed for the space—including a new site-specific installation by artist Firelei Báez—has been postponed to 2021, the museum said.
The food aid program began with East Boston Neighborhood Health Center seeking to distribute fresh food to residents of the community.
“We are redirecting resources of the ICA and the Watershed in particular to address a direct need within the community,” ICA Director Jill Medvedow said in a prepared statement. “Art projects are included in each box of food to provide families with new and creative activities to do at home during this challenging time. While disappointing that we will not open the Watershed this summer as planned, this is the safest way for the museum to stay connected and serve our audiences at this time.”
The museum expects to help deliver more than 2,000 boxes of fresh produce and dairy to East Boston families by Sept. 3 in partnership with the museum’s caterer, The Catered Affair; East Boston Neighborhood Health Center; and other East Boston community organizations: East Boston Social Centers, Maverick Landing Community Services, Eastie Farm, Orient Heights Housing Development and Crossroads Family Center.
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