Bordalo II looks for the correct piece, as his assistants install sections of the head of the rooster sculpture he is making on Union Street in New Bedford using discarded plastic.

NEW BEDFORD — A semi-permanent giant rooster is being installed at Union and North 2nd Street as part of DATMA’s “Transform: Reduce, Revive, Reimagine,” exhibition set for June 14.

The Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute, a.k.a. DATMA, is a museum without walls and it is celebrating a sixth season of public art and events collectively titled “Transform: Reduce, Revive, Reimagine.” 

Sign-ups now open. Announcing our 2024 workshop for SouthCoast educators! This 3-day workshop is 100% free and concludes with a pretty field trip.

NEW BEDFORD — World-renowned for his unique animal creations made with discarded materials, which convey powerful environmental messages, Portuguese street artist Bordalo II is working on a sculpture called “Plastic Rooster” to be installed in the heart of downtown New Bedford.

For its 6th year, DATMA will kick off “TRANSFORM: Reduce, Revive, Reimagine” on June 14, presenting a new semi-permanent sculpture in the heart of the city, a temporary photography exhibition along the historic waterfront, and a variety of robust programs and educational workshops all season until October 14, 2024.

In the UMassD Alumni blog, an undergrad student mentions their involvement with DATMA as a perk to her education. We’re proud of you, Ruby!

What’s the best thing to do on a snow day? May we suggest: Have a snowball fight at a park with public art. Go sledding at a park with some public art. Build a snowman at a park next to some public art.

As a public art producer, DATMA wants to take a moment to discuss the different types of artists working on their craft in the public sphere. We want to hear about their vulnerabilities, their “aha” moments, or simply if we’re overthinking it all.

On February 12 at the City Library, across the hall from the City’s vaunted art collection, NB Creative dispensed more than $500,000 to 82 grantees. Tony Sapienza, President of the New Bedford Economic Development Council, calls it “a transformative moment that will resonate for years to come.” It was a moment made possible by the Arts & Culture Plan produced by Mayor Mitchell in 2018.