Common Boston Week 2012

Our theme manifests itself literally, figuratively, and physically. Literally, our walking and biking tours require only human power to function. Put on your exercise shoes and help fuel one-of-a-kind events, which are distinctly off the electrical grid. Figuratively, our programming brings off-the-beaten path experiences that surprise, inspire, educate, and instill a sense of pride in Bostonians about their wonderful neighborhoods. Explore a new area that’s off of your daily grid! Physically, our four Common Points – Downtown, South End, Mattapan, and the Emerald Necklace – represent a microcosm of the many grids and cow paths that form Boston’s unique physical street layout. This layout is distinctly not a grid, and it lends to each neighborhood a distinctive local character.

Discover this local character with us by exploring the city like you never have before. Experience art in the public, local food tours, bike rides through treasured amenities, behind-the-scenes building tours, parties, dialogues and exhibitions about adaptive reuse, and installations that explore possibilities for the future of our physical environment.

We are opening up our buildings, landscapes and streetscapes, providing forums for discussion and off the grid activities. In so doing, the 2012 Common Boston Festival provides the chance to discover – and rediscover – the places and the people that make Boston a world-renowned city that’s on the map but off the grid.