Please note: The opening celebration will take place at the ICA Watershed in East Boston. There is no parking in the Shipyard and Water Shuttles will not yet be running; ride shares are encouraged.
Enjoy a special look at the exhibitions and complimentary refreshments at this exciting evening event! RSVP to events@icaboston.org. Not a Patron-level member? Join now to attend the opening.
Chiharu Shiota: Home Less Home is organized by Ruth Erickson, Barbara Lee Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs, with Brianne Chapelle, Curatorial Department Coordinator.
The exhibition is supported by the Japan Foundation, the Richard K. Lubin Family Foundation, and an anonymous donor and featured as part of the Boston Public Art Triennial 2025.
Generous support for the ICA Water Shuttle is provided by MassMutual.
Photo by Timothy Schenck
Past Events
From the Archives: Meghan Clare Considine on the ICA in the 1980s
Explore the ICA Archives from the 1980s with Curatorial Assistant Meghan Clare Considine. During the ’80s, the ICA featured new explorations in film and video that reflected the rich period of making and studying art in Boston. Through programs like the Contemporary Art Television Fund (1983-86) the ICA partnered with WGBH to support experimental video artists and broadcast their artworks on television.
This summer, the ICA Watershed is temporarily housing the ICA’s expansive archives which span the 90-year history of the museum. Join members of the ICA’s curatorial staff as they highlight some of their favorite things about the ICA and its history.
This project is supported by the Barr Foundation and Judi Kaufman and Arthur Rubin.
Max Gruber. Photo by Mel Taing
Installation view, Our Memories, Our Stories, Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, 2025. Photo by Timothy Schenck.
Past Events
From the Archives: Max Gruber on the ICA in the 1940s
Explore the ICA Archives from the 1940s with Curatorial Assistant Max Gruber. During the ’40s, the ICA sparked controversy in the city by changing its name from the Boston Museum of Modern Art. The museum also exhibited iconic artworks from across the globe including Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, as well as paintings by Diego Rivera and the Mexican muralists.
This summer, the ICA Watershed is temporarily housing the ICA’s expansive archives which span the 90-year history of the museum. Join members of the ICA’s curatorial staff as they highlight some of their favorite things about the ICA and its history.
Live Spanish translation will be offered.
This project is supported by the Barr Foundation and Judi Kaufman and Arthur Rubin.
Photo by Chris Cardoza
Past Events
Watershed Gallery Talk: Ruth Erickson on Chiharu Shiota: Home Less Home
Join Ruth Erickson, ICA Barbara Lee Chief Curator, for an overview of Chiharu Shiota: Home Less Home at the ICA Watershed. In this drop-in program, Erickson will unpack how the artist uses thread to tell stories of travel, consciousness, and home.
Chiharu Shiota: Home Less Home is organized by Ruth Erickson, Barbara Lee Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs, with Brianne Chapelle, Curatorial Department Coordinator.
The exhibition is supported by the Japan Foundation, the Richard K. Lubin Family Foundation, and an anonymous donor and featured as part of the Boston Public Art Triennial 2025.
Photo by Al Terminello.
Past Events
Watershed Community Event | Harboring Creativity
Presented by the East Boston Artists Group
Sat, Nov 8, 11 AM–4 PM
Sun, Nov 9, 11 AM–4 PM
FREE / At the ICA Watershed
The East Boston Artists Group presents Harboring Creativity at the ICA Watershed. Featuring the work of local emerging and established artists who live, work, or create in East Boston, this presentation is a wonderful reflection of the creativity and innovation of East Boston and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Watershed Community Event | Veronica Robles Cultural Center Day of the Dead
Presented by Veronica Robles Cultural Center
Sat, Nov 1, 10 AM–4 PM
Sun, Nov 2, 10 AM–4 PM
Free / At the Watershed in East Boston
Veronica Robles Cultural Center (VROCC) presents 2025 Dia de Muertos, New England’s largest multi-day Day of the Dead Celebration, offering a series of events to honor our ancestors and deceased loved ones. Now in its 13th year, VROCC’s Día de Muertos celebration is a cornerstone of cultural enrichment in New England, preserving tradition and fostering intercultural dialogue across Massachusetts.
After Hours with the Curator: Hew Locke: The Procession
Wed, Jun 26, 2024, 6–8 PM
RSVP Required
For Director’s Circle members +
Join fellow Director’s Circle members for a private, after-hours tour of Hew Locke: The Procession and gallery conversation with Ruth Erickson, Barbara Lee Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs.
Join us at the ICA Watershed for a day of family fun featuring activities in connection with the themes of Hew Locke: The Procession. Create instruments from recycled materials that help bring your own procession to life through sound and movement. Learn more about music and instruments around the world with books and activities from the Boston Public Library. For the final Watershed Play Date of the year, we groove and grow together!
Reserve free admission tickets online in advance*. All activities are drop-in, first come first served, space is limited.Tickets will be available for members beginning on July 10 and for the general public on July 17.
*On Saturday, August 31st, museum admission is FREE for families when accompanied by kids ages 12 and under, with up to 2 adults per family. Timed tickets must be reserved online in advance for Watershed shuttle boats. Use the code PLAYDATE when reserving your ticket(s). Advance tickets are strongly recommended; day-of tickets are not guaranteed. For access to the ICA Watershed from Seaport, visitors should select the General Admission + Water Shuttle ticket. Admission to the Watershed is always free.
The Watershed is located within the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina in East Boston at 256 Marginal Street. Accessible parking is available at the Watershed. Limited street parking is available nearby. Visitors can also reach the Watershed by public transportation – the building is 0.5 miles from Maverick Station on the Blue Line.
Get Your Groove On! Musical Instrument Making | 11 AM–3 PM
Harbor Room, Watershed
Create different percussive instruments using recycled materials, inspired by the instruments and styles found in The Procession. Experiment with the sounds that each material combination can make, add flourish and decoration, then proudly play your creation in your own procession!
Hew Locke Scavenger Hunt | 11 AM–3 PM
Explore the motifs and symbols of The Procession through a guided looking activity. Work together to find various repeated patterns and objects across the 140 different sculptures!Available in both English and Spanish.
Books + Looks | 11:30 AM + 12:30 PM
4th Floor Galleries, Seaport
For those visiting the ICA at the Seaport, enjoy staff-led readings of family-friendly books in the galleries! Afterwards, pick up a Summer Family Gallery Guide and explore the exhibitions on view.
Free Admission for Youth
Youth 18 and under always receive FREE museum admission. The ICA is committed to providing access to the art and artists of our time—and we do this with the incredible support of our community. Explore the +1 Membership: a free ICA membership program for youth 0-18.
Hew Locke: The Procession was originally commissioned by Tate Britain for its 2022 Tate Britain Commission. The ICA Watershed presentation is organized by Ruth Erickson, Barbara Lee Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs, and Anni A. Pullagura, Consulting Assistant Curator, in collaboration with Tate.
Support for Hew Locke: The Procession is provided by David Feinberg and Marina Kalb, and an anonymous donor.
ICA Watershed programs are supported by Eastern Bank.
Photo by Mel Taing
Past Events
Play Date: Dress + Dazzle
Sat, Jun 29, 2024, 11 AM–3 PM
FREE for families / please consider a $5 donation to support the event
Join us at the ICA Watershed for a day of family fun exploring Hew Locke: The Procession. Consider what it means to be in a procession: What do processions celebrate, commemorate, or challenge? What do you bring, wear, or do during one? Who would you invite to join you? Make a dazzling flag to carry and fly, read stories of journeys and celebrations, and explore the incredible characters and details of The Procession! Reserve free admission tickets online in advance*. All activities are drop-in, first come first served, space is limited.
*On Saturday, June 29, museum admission is FREE for families when accompanied by kids ages 12 and under, with up to 2 adults per family. Timed tickets must be reserved online in advance for Watershed shuttle boats. Use the code PLAYDATE when reserving your ticket(s). Advance tickets are strongly recommended; day-of tickets are not guaranteed. For access to the ICA Watershed from Seaport, visitors should select the General Admission + Water Shuttle ticket.
The Watershed is located within the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina in East Boston at 256 Marginal Street. Accessible parking is available at the Watershed. Limited street parking is available nearby. Visitors can also reach the Watershed by public transportation – the building is 0.5 miles from Maverick Station on the Blue Line.
Artmaking in the Harbor Room: Fly Your Flag! | 11 AM–3 PM
Harbor Room, Watershed
Create a flag that represents you! People often use flags to tell something about their identities, interests, or communities. Using decorative paper, punches, trim, and stencils, tell a story about yourself through your own flag. You can also find inspiration from Hew Locke’s exhibition and discover the meaning behind the many flags in The Procession.
Summer Reading with the Boston Public Library
Harbor Room, Watershed
Discover new books, characters, and learn more about the Boston Public Library’s free resources! Families will be able to meet BPL staff from the East Boston branch, sign up for library cards, and read specially selected books based on the stories and themes of The Procession.
Books + Looks | 11:30 AM + 12:30 PM
4th Floor Galleries, Seaport
For those visiting the ICA at the Seaport, enjoy staff-led readings of family-friendly books in the galleries! Afterwards, pick up a Summer Family Gallery Guide, and explore the exhibitions on view.
Free Admission for Youth
Youth 18 and under always receive FREE museum admission. The ICA is committed to providing access to the art and artists of our time—and we do this with the incredible support of our community. Explore the +1 Membership: a free ICA membership program for youth 0-18.
Please note: Play Date in June, July, and August will take place at the ICA Watershed, located in East Boston!Water Shuttle tickets are sold out, but you can still visit the museum with your family for free!
Join us at the ICA Watershed for a day of family fun featuring activities in connection with Hew Locke: The Procession. Enjoy a live musical performance, learn about Caribbean Carnival’s history and significance, and create wearable art inspired by the costumes of Carnival. Get ready to parade and party!
*On Saturday, July 27th, museum admission is FREE for families when accompanied by kids ages 12 and under, with up to 2 adults per family. Timed tickets must be reserved online in advance for Watershed shuttle boats. Use the code PLAYDATE when reserving your ticket(s). Advance tickets are strongly recommended; day-of tickets are not guaranteed. For access to the ICA Watershed from Seaport, visitors should select the General Admission + Water Shuttle ticket. Admission to the Watershed is always free.
The Watershed is located within the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina in East Boston at 256 Marginal Street. Accessible parking is available at the Watershed. Limited street parking is available nearby. Visitors can also reach the Watershed by public transportation – the building is 0.5 miles from Maverick Station on the Blue Line.
Playing Mas with Boston Society of Caribbean Culture and Heritage (BSOCCAH) | 11 AM–3 PM
Harbor Room
Families can learn about thehistory and traditions of “Playing Mas” (participating in Carnival)and create wearable costumesinspired byMas (short for Masquerade) withBSOCCAH!After learningand making, visitors canexplore how symbols and characters of Carnivalare reflected in Hew Locke’s sculptures all around the Watershed.Artmaking isdrop-in on a first come first served basis.
Ideas, Not Theories – Bicycle Beats by Reynaliz Herrera | 12:15, 1:15, + 2:15 PM
15 minute sessions Harbor Room
Ideas, Not Theories- Bicycle Beats is a short musical performance of a solo percussion piece written for bicycle, which incorporates theatrical elements in the form of physical theater. Composed and performed by Reynaliz Herrera, the mini performance features different sections of music, each exploring the different sonorities of the musical bike (frame, wheel, chainwheel, spokes, etc) and each of them inspired by world rhythms such as Afro-Cuban and Brazilian, and some composition techniques such as polyrhythms. The piece is a through-composed work, intertwined with some physical theater elements.
Free Admission for Youth
Youth 18 and under always receive FREE museum admission. The ICA is committed to providing access to the art and artists of our time—and we do this with the incredible support of our community. Explore the +1 Membership: a free ICA membership program for youth 0-18.
About IDEAS, NOT THEORIES
Founded and directed by Reynaliz Herrera, IDEAS, NOT THEORIES is a theatrical percussion company for unconventional percussion instruments that offers several programs featuring Reynaliz Herrera’s original music and compositions for bicycles and other unconventional instruments.
About Boston Society of Caribbean Culture and Heritage
The Boston Society of Caribbean Culture and Heritage (BSOCCAH) is a collective body composed of community stakeholders working to expand the representation and celebration of Caribbean culture in the Commonwealth of Massachusettsthroughthe curation of thoughtful and engaging public events and activities.
Hew Locke: The Procession was originally commissioned by Tate Britain for its 2022 Tate Britain Commission. The ICA Watershed presentation is organized by Ruth Erickson, Barbara Lee Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs, and Anni A. Pullagura, Consulting Assistant Curator, in collaboration with Tate.
Support for Hew Locke: The Procession is provided by David Feinberg and Marina Kalb, and an anonymous donor.
ICA Watershed programs are supported by Eastern Bank.
