The ICA Is Bringing a New Market to the Seaport

Photo by Ali Campbell / Courtesy of ICA Boston

Since it opened in 2006, the Institute of Contemporary Art has made a mission of making itself a veritable anchor for Fort Point. A new five year strategic plan, released earlier this year, emphasizes plans to continue providing a gathering place for the Seaport and Fort Point. The new Harbor Market is a part of that initiative and will bring together “a really nice sampling of food beverage artisans, artists, organizations, that we’ve worked with in the past,” says Director of Events and Social Programs Hannah Gaphman.

The free market will include vendors and performers from around New England, and will include demonstrations and a chance to purchase goods. “It’s certainly important for us to add our ICA twist,” explains Gaphman. Food from Bon Me and Union Square Donuts will be available, as well as beverages from the Coffee Trike, at the September 9 kick-off market. The ICA plans to hold the market four times a year.

A partnership with the Fort Point Arts Community, a membership group for artists who work or have studios in the Fort Point neighborhood, brings four artists to the festival. Boston institutions such as District Hall and the Boston Public Market will also participate in the event.

“Up until a couple years ago I think a lot of people thought of the seaport as a kind of a hike, and now I think with all the developments and the residences and companies moving here a lot of people are starting to realize how close it actually is,” says Gaphman, “We’re capitalizing on the momentum of people realizing the Seaport isn’t that far away.”

September 9, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Drive,  icaboston.com.