Tracing Our Footprints/Carving Chinatown's Future

Planning | Qualitative Research | Community-based Work | July 2026

Chinatown is a neighborhood shaped by generations of artists, organizers, business owners, and residents who have worked together to create a vibrant and dignified home for immigrant and working-class communities.

This exhibition at Pao Arts Center celebrates the collective effort behind the Boston Chinatown Cultural Plan, a community-driven vision developed through collaboration among local Chinatown organizations, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and the City of Boston. Featured projects in this show are presented by Asian Community Development Corporation, Chinatown Community Land Trust, Pao Arts Center, and the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy.

Through eight past and ongoing projects led by four collaborating organizations, the exhibition offers a behind-the-scenes look at how cultural planning can strengthen community connections, celebrate Boston Chinatown’s rich history, and imagine its future. The exhibit includes reflections from key organizers, artists, and staff who continue to work for the community. The exhibit is open through October 17,2026.

Learn more about the exhibit here.

Images from Opening Reception and Q&A by Julie Francois.

Gallery wall with photographs and text describing an exhibit about Chinatown neighborhood, decorations, and community events, with hanging paper lanterns.
Woman with headphones, standing and reading a brochure at an art exhibit, with framed pictures and text on the wall, and a woman sitting on a bench in the background.
An interior display featuring a yellow book titled 'Humans of Chinatown' on a white pedestal, surrounded by artificial yellow and orange fall foliage.
Two women stand in front of a white wall with colorful posters and signs, some featuring Chinese characters. The women are engaged in conversation or looking at the posters, and there is a blue flag on a yellow pole to the right.
A group of people gathered inside an art gallery or museum, engaged in conversations, with some looking at displays or listening to a speaker. The room has white walls, hanging lights, and informational posters about an exhibit.
A group of four people standing together at an art exhibit, with various art pieces hanging on the white walls in the background. Other visitors are seen browsing and engaging with the artwork in the space.
A group of people inside a gallery or museum, looking at displayed artworks and informational panels on the wall. Some are engaging with brochures or tablets, and the ceiling has exposed pipes with track lighting.
Group of diverse people engaged in conversation at an indoor event, with a plain light gray wall in the background.
Group of diverse people standing together in an art gallery, smiling for a photo, with informational text on the wall behind them.
A group of diverse people interacting and talking at an indoor exhibition or event, with a large display about Chinatown and its future on the wall behind them.
A group of diverse people gathered around a table looking at a book, smiling, in a well-lit room with white walls and some colorful decorations.
People attending an art or cultural exhibition in a gallery with artwork, flowers, and display tables, with a large window showing city buildings outside.
Three people looking at framed pictures on a white wall in an art gallery, with one pointing at the middle picture.
Two smiling individuals, one man and one woman, standing together at an indoor exhibition with a white wall behind them. The wall features text titled "Tracing Our Footprints / Carving Chinatown's Future" and displays photographs and informational po
Exhibition wall with photographs and text describing Chinatown's community and future, with hanging paper lanterns in an art gallery setting.
Wall exhibit with vintage movie posters, photographs, a tablet showing a woman sitting, and informational text in Chinese, with a stand holding blue pamphlets.