A major new project to identify and celebrate every form of creative activity in Boston has been launched by Brilliant Boston – the town’s Cultural Compact.
The Boston Creative Census is calling on individuals, groups, and organisations involved in any form of arts, culture, heritage, or creative activity to register their work through a short online survey. Organisers say the Census will build the most comprehensive picture of Boston’s creative life ever assembled.
Leading the project is Claire Foster former Principal of Boston College and now the director of Kwello Ltd. as a creative leadership consultant. She has recently taken on the role of leading the Cultural Compact for Boston.
She said: “Boston is a town with an extraordinary creative community — from professional artists and established cultural organisations to community choirs, heritage groups, and people creating in their own back rooms. The Boston Creative Census is our chance to find every last one of them, celebrate what they do, and make sure they are part of Boston’s cultural future.
“The Census is open to anyone involved in arts, music, dance, drama, writing, film, heritage, community events, or any other form of creative activity in Boston.”
Cllr Sarah Sharpe – Boston Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Tourism said: “The Creative Census is a vital first step in understanding the richness and diversity of Boston’s creative community. It will provide an invaluable evidence base for the Cultural Compact, helping us to champion creativity, strengthen partnerships and unlock new opportunities for people, places and businesses across the borough. I encourage everyone working creatively in Boston to take part and help shape this exciting shared vision.”
The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete and is available at Boston Creative and Cultural Census 2026 – Fill out form
Organisers are encouraging all residents to share the Census with creative individuals and groups they know, particularly informal and community-based groups who may not see themselves as part of the cultural sector.
The Brilliant Boston brings together cultural, creative, heritage, and educational organisations from across the town to develop a shared strategy for Boston’s cultural future. The Census findings will be used to shape the Compact’s priorities and make the case for investment in Boston’s creative life.
