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Residents, artists urge Somerville committee to protect Out of the Blue gallery after city takeover
Summary
At a March 4, 2026 public hearing before the Somerville City Council committee on housing, community development and equity, artists and residents urged the city to avoid displacing tenants at Out of the Blue at Arts at the Armory and called for inclusion of current residents in any master plan.
Somerville — Dozens of artists, neighbors and gallery supporters on Wednesday urged the City Council committee on housing, community development and equity to protect Out of the Blue, a long-running community art space at Arts at the Armory.
At a March 4 public hearing requested by a petition from 52 registered voters under Section 2‑11 of the Somerville City Charter, commenters described the gallery as a rare low-cost, inclusive venue for artists and performers and said the city’s 2021 takeover of the Armory has led to confusing notices and threats of eviction.
"I found myself bewildered when I read in the press that the city took over in 2021," said Parmesho Pradhyay, who identified themself as CEO of Alamo Art Gallery and said they work and live in the Armory. Pradhyay told the committee they and other tenants were given successive…
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