“Voices of the Waterfront” public photo exhibit showcases people working together to increase access to Boston’s harbor, islands, and rivers

BOSTON, MASS. (November 2023) – To showcase and celebrate the creative ways that people and organizations are accessing Boston’s waterfront and area waterways, the New England Aquarium and the 60-member group, the Coalition for a Resilient and Inclusive Waterfront, created “Voices of the Waterfront,” an exhibition of 27 eye-catching, large-scale panels, wrapping the Aquarium’s exterior along Central Wharf. The photos can be seen by the public for free, beginning Nov. 2.

**EXHIBITION PHOTOS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD HERE**

The goal of the exhibition is to highlight the work of the Coalition’s members, representing local conservation, art, and educational nonprofits, including the New England Aquarium, a founding member. These organizations work on waterfront issues alongside communities that have historically been left out of fully accessing the city’s magnificent coastlines, harbor, rivers, and other waterways. Photos capture glimpses of conservation work by indigenous groups on the Mystic River to exercise classes along the Charles River Esplanade and children sailing in Boston Harbor as part of the World Ocean School.

“These are the natural voices of the people and places that inhabit, play, work, and protect these crown jewels of waterways in the Boston area,” said Luz Arregoces, the New England Aquarium’s Director of Community Engagement. “What better way to understand how we are all connected than to see photos that represent the perspectives and passion for protecting and enjoying the rivers, harbors, and coastlines that make Boston such a special and unique city.”

“Voices of the Waterfront” features lush landscape photos of various sites around Boston Harbor, from Piers Park in East Boston to canoes stacked alongside the Charles River in Newton, as well as people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and experiences walking along the Charles River Esplanade and Neponset River Greenway, or taking pedicabs in the Charlestown Navy Yard. There are photos of events at the Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston Harbor cruises, Mystic River Watershed, and the New England Aquarium—all striking reminders of the picturesque waterfronts that surround the Boston area, which also face environmental threats from sea level rise and climate change.

“These beautiful waterfront views are important reminders that we must take steps to protect our environment so that we can continue reaping the public health benefits of these blue spaces. Through continuing to work together with our incredible partners, we hope to uplift those benefits,” said Ian Karby, the Health and Wellness Advisor for the Coalition for a Resilient and Inclusive Waterfront. “These photos are a reminder of the power of diversity, inclusivity, and bringing together people to make a difference in our neighborhoods and coastal areas.”

The coalition and its mission grew out of decades-long work in Boston during which billions of dollars were invested in cleaning up Boston Harbor, the Charles River, and other waterways in the region. Now, the goal is to harness more voices and organizations to help bring about even more change to the waterfront as a public good amid environmental challenges.

The photos will be on exhibit for the public to enjoy until Spring 2024.

MEDIA CONTACT: Pam Bechtold Snyder, psnyder@neaq.org; 617-686-5068