BOSTON (September 1, 2022)—This fall marks the return of a full slate of public programming at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA). For the first time since their introduction in 2016, The City Talks—free public forums based on cultural, social and political themes that are explored within current exhibitions and impact the City of Boston—will take place both at the MFA and off campus. In October, MFA Late Nites return to the Museum for the first time since 2019, showcasing performances and activations by artists, musicians and other local creatives from 8 pm to midnight. Additionally, community celebrations and open houses, film festivals, and lectures and courses—all back in person—will continue to take place throughout the season. 

The City Talks

The City Talks: Shaping the Future of Leadership

Wednesday, September 7, 6–7:30 pm
University Crossing at UMass Lowell

Inspired by The Obama Portraits Tour, changemakers and advocates in the Lowell community will discuss the future of grassroots leadership. Co-presented with the Free Soil Arts Collective. Featuring community member and local artist Diamond Asaneh; Corey Robinson, Lowell’s first Black city councilor; property manager and community advocate Vladimir Saldana; Ani Vong, board member of Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association; and Johnson Prak, co-founder of EAST Movement. Moderated by Christa Brown, founder of the Free Soil Arts Collective.

The City Talks: Be the Change

Thursday, September 8, 7–8 pm
Edward H. Linde Gallery, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Inspired by Philip Guston Now, this discussion will focus on hate crimes, antisemitism and racial bias—focusing on how we can make change. Co-presented with the Jewish Arts Collaborative, in connection with their current public art movement Be the Change, on view in the Fenway area through October 26. Featuring artivist Caron Tabb; artist Jason Talbot; Peggy Shukur, deputy director at the Anti-Defamation League; and Mariangely Solis Cervera, Chief of Equity and Inclusion for the City of Boston. Moderated by Adam Strom, Director of Re-Imagining Migration.

The City Talks: inSIDE Leadership

Wednesday, September 14, 6:30–7:30 pm
Nubian Square Gallery

Inspired by The Obama Portraits Tour, and co-presented with SIDE Presents, this discussion will focus on what leadership means to the next generation. Featuring Kurt Faustin, founder of the Dropout Academy and executive director of EforAll Roxbury; Chimel “Real P” Idiokitas, DJ, producer, event curator and community partner; Jeneé Osterheldt, Boston Globe culture columnist; and Jessicah Pierre, Chief of Communications for City of Boston. Moderated by Therlande Louissaint and Marlyn Urquiza of SIDE Presents. Followed by a performance by Caliph.

The City Talks: Equity in Wellness

Wednesday, October 19, 7–8 pm
Hibernian Hall

Honoring Michelle Obama’s legacy of prioritizing the mental and physical wellbeing of all Americans—especially young people and people of color—this program will discuss issues of wellness in Boston’s marginalized communities. Featuring Heather White, founder and CEO of TrillFit; Ashley Mitchell, founder of the Courage Campaign; Lisa Simmons, director of the Roxbury International Film Festival; and Anouska Bhattacharyya, Vice President of Programs at YW Boston. 

MFA Late Nites

The popular after-hours event returns on October 21 (8 pm–midnight), featuring programming hosted in partnership with local organizations and artists. Tickets are $15 in advance for members, $20 in advance for nonmembers and $25 at the door for all.

Community Celebrations and Open Houses

Latinx Heritage Night

September 29, 5–10 pm, free with general admission

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

October 10, 10 am–5 pm, free admission for all

Diwali

October 27, 5–10 pm, free with general admission

Hanukkah

December 15, 5–10 pm, free with general admission
Co-presented with Jewish Arts Collaborative 

Ruth and Carl J. Shapiro Celebrity Lectures

The series showcases five innovative speakers who will share their vision, working processes and insights. Tickets are $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers.

LaToya Ruby Frazier / Art as Transformation

October 6, 7–8 pm

Eric Kim / Table for One

November 17, 7–8 pm

Bryan Stevenson / The Legacy Museum

March 2, 7–8 pm (SOLD OUT)

Edmund de Waal / You Begin to Tell a Story: Objects, Restitution, Repair

March 23, 7–8 pm (SOLD OUT)

Bethann Hardison / Fashioning a Legacy

May 4, 7–8 pm

Film Festivals

The Boston Women’s Film Festival’s Fall Showcase

September 23–25

This showcase highlights four recent award-winning films by emerging female filmmakers from around the globe.

The Boston Palestine Film Festival

October 14–16

The Boston Palestine Film Festival offers compelling films with independent views of Palestine’s history, culture and geographically dispersed society. 

The Boston Jewish Film Festival

November 6

The Boston Jewish Film Festival has been a destination for international award-winning films on Jewish topics since 1988, welcoming filmgoers and guests from around the world to venues throughout Greater Boston.

WQ:Docs

November 18 and 19

This mini-festival hosted by Wicked Queer features a selection of short and feature films about queer identity and experience.

The Boston Turkish Film Festival

November 11 and 12

Now in its 21st year, the Boston Turkish Film Festival continues its tradition of highlighting emerging and established Turkish filmmakers. 

Lectures and Courses

After a two-year hiatus, courses return to the MFA with Welcome Back Wednesdays—curator-led introductions to the Museum’s recently opened galleries for Dutch and Flemish art and art from ancient Greece, Rome and the Byzantine Empire—as well as an in-depth look at the upcoming exhibition Life Magazine and the Power of Photography. 

In addition to the Ruth and Carl J. Shapiro Celebrity Lectures, this season’s lecture highlights include free programs focused on the importance of community and collaboration among Black jewelers (October 22) and the ALIPH Foundation’s Ukrainian Action Plan (November 4).

A full listing of lectures and courses are available online.

About the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston 

The MFA brings many worlds together through art. Showcasing masterpieces from ancient to modern, our renowned collection of nearly 500,000 works tells a multifaceted story of the human experience—a story that holds unique meaning for everyone. From Boston locals to international travelers, visitors from across the globe come to experience the MFA. Through both art and audience, the Museum brings together diverse perspectives—revealing connections, exploring differences, creating a community where all belong. Plan your visit at mfa.org.