Being Seen: Celebrating Pride in the SouthCoast

DATMA presents “Being Seen: Celebrating SouthCoast Pride,” a public art installation and exhibition honoring the LGBTQ+ community.

An opening celebration runs from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. Admission is free and open to the public.

The project debuted in June 2025 during New Bedford’s Pride Block Party and will travel to four SouthCoast communities through November 2026. Using upcycled textiles, the work was led by New York–based artist and LGBTQ+ activist Liz Collins and created with help from more than 100 local residents and organizations.

An indoor gallery exhibition adds history and context. Featured work comes from LGBTQ+ artists selected through a community call for art. The exhibit also highlights the Pride movement and local figures, including New Bedford resident David B. Boyce.

Outdoor public art is on view beginning Jan. 12. The gallery exhibition runs Feb. 13 through March 13, 2026.