City Releases Artist Certification Program in Preparation for 8 Artist Live/Work Units at Former Powder House School

The Somerville Arts Council recently released the application for Artist Housing Certification for newly constructed live/work units at the new Powder House/MarKa development. The certification application and further details are available online at somervilleartscouncil.org/certification.

This development will have five “market rate” units and three “inclusionary” units. All eight units will require applicants to possess an Artist Certification prior to application for either unit types. The certification deadlines to apply for the following units are: 

• Market Rate Units: Friday, August 14, 2020 
• Inclusionary Rate Units: Friday, September 18, 2020 

The Arts Council and the developer agent will host a virtual public information meeting about market-rate units on Tuesday, July 28, at 6:30 p.m. To register for this webinar please visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3719134773092044302. You can also listen to the meeting by calling (562) 247-8422 

Somerville’s current zoning includes provisions that certain new developments require artist use space. If a new development creates “Artist Live/Work” or “Artist Studio Space,” a certification process will accompany those units. This policy will ensure that development built for artists will retain artists.  

For more information on Somerville's arts certification process, arts and zoning, please visit www.somervilleartscouncil.org.  

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Nency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov.