From the Community
A Year of Creativity in Egleston Square for Local Artists at CityPop
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For more than a year, music, dance, invention and visual artistic expressions have been daily occurrences within the temporary space in Jamaica Plain known by the massive “street art” sign painted on the building’s side: CityPOP Egleston. The initial force behind the idea was City Realty managing partner Stephen Whalen, who had noticed a vibrant temporary arts space in Allston and immediately thought of a dormant building his company owned in Jamaica Plain. City Realty invited local artists to use the Washington Street structure without charge while the permitting process was underway for eventual redevelopment. The company undertook the repairs needed to meet building codes and make the premises safe for use; soon after, the artists moved in. Seven resident artists made most use of the space, but more than 25 local painters, inventors, writers, dancers and musicians have participated in the collaborative program.