WORCESTER—A downtown art installation that spells out “You Belong Here” in 90-foot illuminated letters has now earned Worcester a national distinction.
The Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) received the Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence from the International Downtown Association (IDA) for its “You Belong Here” Project, which transformed Salem Street into a vivid civic gateway through large-scale public art, lighting and community-driven design.
Katelyn O’Brien, executive director of the Downtown Worcester BID, said the recognition was a moment of pride for the city. “It was incredibly meaningful to represent Worcester on a national stage and accept this award alongside members of the Downtown Worcester BID team,” O’Brien told the Worcester Guardian. “The energy in the room and the support from peers across the country reminded me just how special this project is; not just for Downtown Worcester, but as a model for what’s possible when public art and placemaking are deeply rooted in community.”
The installation, designed by Worcester artist Sharinna Travieso, was shaped through workshops with Creative Hub Worcester, where residents discussed the theme of belonging and contributed ideas that influenced the final design. The result: a burst of vibrant color and bold typography across the façade of the Worcester Public Library, serving as both landmark and message.
The BID launched the project in partnership with the library and the Worcester Public Library Foundation. Since its unveiling, the piece has become a popular backdrop for photos and a focal point for community pride. O’Brien said the response has been immediate and personal. “The community response has been incredible, from people stopping to take photos and posting about it on social media to sharing personal stories about how the installation made them feel seen and represented,” she said in the release.
Beyond Worcester, the project has also caught the eye of national audiences. It is featured in the National Building Museum’s “Coming Together” exhibition in Washington, D.C., highlighting creative approaches to public space across the country.
“Creating a project that’s now considered ‘museum-worthy’ is significant to our team,” O’Brien said. “It inspires others to think differently about how they center community in their own work.”
David Downey, president and CEO of IDA, called the initiative a model for other downtowns. “The Downtown Worcester BID has demonstrated skillful application of urban place management principles with the ‘You Belong Here’ Project,” Downey said in the award announcement. “This project should serve as a framework for all IDA member communities.”
For O’Brien and her team, the award is validation of the approach — and a signal to think even bigger. “As we look ahead, this award reinforces the importance of listening deeply, collaborating widely and thinking big,” she said. “Every part of our district and the broader downtown has its own identity and needs and our work will continue to reflect that.”
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