“By partnering with local artists, creatives, and community leaders, we’re transforming this historic landmark into a dynamic hub.”
After many months of planning on our part and nearly a decade of design and truly remarkable restoration on the part of the City of Cambridge and its countless contractors and collaborators, we are thrilled to play a role in the upcoming opening month of programming for the Cambridge KiOSK. The project is a partnership between the nonprofit CultureHouse and the Cambridge Office for Tourism, unfolding in the former storied Out of Town News kiosk in Harvard Square.
Since we’re all about preserving what is left of the local news ecosystem, we were a natural fit for the resulting Cambridge KiOSK, “a dynamic cultural incubator, community gathering space, and visitor information center.” For our contribution, we transformed the space into a modern newsstand to connect people with solid sources—via QR codes, paper zines, digital media generated from events held in the kiosk, and otherwise. Part nostalgia installation and part present-day resource, the project is designed to facilitate media making and to showcase independent outlets.
Stay tuned for more information about upcoming programming, but for now here is more from the city about the long-awaited launch:
An opening day celebration will take place on Friday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with live music, refreshments, and a speaking program. This free event is open to all in the community. Visitors will be among the first to step inside the KiOSK and explore its inaugural exhibit: a pop-up newsstand celebrating Cambridge’s rich print media history. The rotating exhibit will explore themes including the legacy of Out of Town News, the influence of radical newspapers, and the role of music and cultural publications in shaping Cambridge’s creative identity. A series of weekly “15 Minutes of Cambridge” talks will also accompany the exhibits.
Following the opening ceremony, the KiOSK will officially open to the public with hours of operation set for Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Designed as a welcoming hub, the reimagined historic space will host cultural programming, events, and visitor resources, to celebrate diverse community. From live music and poetry, open mics to arts workshops , and rotating historical exhibits, the KiOSK will offer something for everyone. Programming will encompass visual arts, music, literature, and local history, featuring hands-on art workshops, intimate live music performances, stand-up comedy, and site-specific art installations.
“The reopening of the Cambridge KiOSK is a milestone for our community,” Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang said. “This transformation respects the KiOSK’s rich history while creating new opportunities for gathering, creativity, and civic engagement in the heart of Harvard Square. We are excited to see it thrive as a welcoming hub where residents and visitors can connect and celebrate Cambridge’s cultural vibrancy.”
“We’re excited to bring the Cambridge KiOSK to life as a vibrant community space that showcases the creativity and diversity of Cambridge—with a focus on systemically marginalized communities,” said Aaron Greiner, Executive Director of CultureHouse. “Out of Town News once brought global conversations to Harvard Square when news from overseas was hard to access. Today, information from around the world is readily available on our phones, but it’s local connections that are often hardest to find. By partnering with local artists, creatives, and community leaders, we’re transforming this historic landmark into a dynamic hub where people can connect with neighbors, share ideas, and experience culture. We look forward to seeing the KiOSK become a place where visitors and residents alike feel welcome and inspired.”
Read the city’s full release here.
Learn more about the BINJ installations in collaboration with the David Bieber Archives here.
And sign up for our newsletter here for updates on upcoming programming.
