Celebration of new space "Gold Hall," which is on the site of the former Harriet Tubman House

To celebrate the historic awarding of a new performance venue and workspace by The City of Boston to Castle of our Skins, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and short performance by Castle of our Skins' musicians was held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.

Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture announced that The City of Boston has awarded Castle of our Skins (COOS), a Boston-based Black arts institution celebrating cultural curiosity and Black artistry through music, education, and community-driven initiatives, a new performance venue and workspace named "Gold Hall."

Through a competitive public process, COOS successfully secured the space, which will be purchased for the symbolic price of $1. The 2,491-square-foot space, located at 566 Columbus Avenue in Boston's Lower Roxbury/South End neighborhood, is in the historic jazz corridor and on the site of the former Harriet Tubman House. The new home and performance venue for Castle of our Skins will host performances, artist residencies, educational workshops, and community events, ensuring that Black creativity remains at the forefront of Boston's cultural landscape. The space will officially open in 2027, following extensive renovations.

The space was made available through a Community Benefits Agreement as part of the Article 80 process for the large mixed-use development project. This affordable commercial space is restricted to nonprofit ownership in perpetuity, ensuring that the location remains a vital cultural resource for the city for generations to come.