The 2009 ArtsUnion line-up marks five years of signature markets and magically serendipitous events curated by some of the brightest local talent. The 5th year anniversary series kicks off on June 27th with Sew What?!?, an interactive market and clothing swap that promises to have the square in stitches. Also billed for the 2009 series is the return of the madcap “What the Fluff?” festival, an Urban Country Fair, and an outdoor “Smellovision” screening of Willy Wonka, and many more quintessentially Somerville events.

The Somerville Arts Council’s ArtsUnion Project is an initiative designed to boost the cultural economic development of Union Square, Somerville. Now in its fifth year, ArtsUnion has been instrumental in reinvigorating the artistic and business landscape of the area. ArtsUnion presents numerous events and markets, and leads cultural tours. In 2007, ArtsUnion commissioned local artisans to design streetscape furniture and, in 2008, began to implement the work surrounding a zoning/regulation review to further support the arts and the distinct character of the square. The Somerville Arts Council and the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development created ArtsUnion, in partnership with ArtsSomerville, Brickbottom Artists Association, Washington Street Art Center, the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission, the Somerville Chamber of Commerce, Somerville Open Studios and Union Square Main Streets. Generous funding for our initiative is provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s John and Abigail Adams Program and the City of Somerville.