Inspired by the creative energy generated from its successful Neponset River Arts Festival in June, the Mattapan Cultural Arts Development (MCAD) organization is calling for artist submissions for its Neponset River Arts Competition.

The call will be open until next August, but the organization is urging interested artists to start visiting along the Neponset in the Mattapan area and taking in the positive effects of the greenway. MCAD is also cross-promoting its competition with Boston Harbor Now’s call for next year’s
[Re]creation Artist in Residency, which requires applicants to submit a project proposal, with the artwork inspired by the feel of the Harbor.

MCAD is an organization that wants to capture through the arts and arts events the essence of the community of Mattapan, with its diverse mix of cultures and identities. The June festival featured dance, comedy, spoken word, Capoiera, drumming, painting, and other performance arts. Like the festival, the competition is also meant to drive the community’s interest, affinity, and inspiration of nature, specifically of the greenway.

“This is kind of a way to ground artists and bring artists together to focus more on nature and its connection to their creative process,” said MCAD’s Sierra Khan.

For its part, Boston Harbor Now works in partnership with public agencies, communities, and private and non-profit partners to promote the beauty and communal value of the harbor. Since its founding in 2016, the organization has issued an annual call for resident artists. Like MCAD, they are looking for those who find inspiration in nature and recreate what they see in their natural setting in their art.

Those interested in submitting for the Neponset River Arts contest should email artsmattapan@gmail.com for submission guidelines.