WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We were recently notified by the NEA that $20,000 of funding that had been recommended to the MassQ Ball had suddenly been terminated.

The notification letter states the following:

“The NEA is updating its grantmaking policy priorities to focus funding on projects that reflect the nation's rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President. Consequently, we are terminating awards that fall outside these new priorities…. Your project, as noted below, unfortunately does not align with these priorities” [our emphasis added]

We know the Ball flies in the face of this administration’s attempt to rollback diversity, inclusion, history and art. It uplifts the work of Black, Brown, Asian American, and Indigenous artists. It invites communities into shared ritual and celebration in one of Boston’s most beautiful green spaces. It’s a free, public, multidisciplinary event that honors identity, creativity, and community. It makes room for joy and healing.

The Ball brings people together to celebrate our differences, honor our shared humanity, and remember our true nature, in nature.

While this loss of funding threatens to set us back, we're determined to move forward and invite you, our community, to help us raise $20,000 to close the gap!

If you were there in 2017 or 2022, you know the magic of this event. If you believe in the power of art to bring people together, we ask for your help. Every dollar brings us closer to making MassQ Ball 2025 a reality.

ABOUT MASSQ BALL 2025: COLOR

Returning to the Arnold Arboretum on Saturday, October 4, 2025, the MassQ Ball will:

Feature over 18 unique cultural organizations working across Boston and New England
Employ 150+ visual artists, dancers, musicians and cultural bearers for performances, installations and more
Introduce 1,000’s of attendees to free, open green space at the Arboretum
Center around the theme of COLOR and honor the vibrant contributions of communities of color, the natural beauty of fall’s changing leaves, and the transformative power of MassQing

EXPLORE DONOR BENEFITS BELOW:

$1,501 - $2,500 - GOLD LEAF

Private MassQing Session w/ Daniel or MassQ Print
Pair of comp tickets + backstage access to a Castle of our Skins 2025-2026 Show
Guaranteed place in MassQing Workshop w/ Daniel (@ Arb on June 14th)
Name on Printed Sign of supporters @ The Ball
Social Media Shoutout

$501 - $1,500 - MAHOGANY LEAF

Pair of comp tickets + backstage access to a Castle of our Skins 2025-2026 Show
Guaranteed place in MassQing Workshop w/ Daniel (@ Arb on June 14th)
Name on Printed Sign of supporters @ The Ball
Social Media Shoutout

$251 - $500 - RED LEAF

Guaranteed place in MassQing Workshop w/ Daniel (@ Arb on June 14th)
Name on Printed Sign of supporters @ The Ball
Social Media Shoutout

$50 - $250 - GREEN LEAF

Name on Printed Sign of supporters @ The Ball
Social Media Shoutout

Learn more: MassQBall.com

MassQ Ball 2025

By Castle of our Skins, Inc

MassQ Ball 2025