Tiny doors project drives foot traffic to Allston businesses
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Beyer Bullard of Allston, Massachusetts, launched Tiny Doors Allston, a public art installation featuring ten miniature doors hidden at local businesses.
Inspired by a similar project in Atlanta, Bullard envisioned the art as a way to support independent stores in his neighborhood. He secured $3,000 from Allston Village Main Streets (AVMS) to commission ten local artists and fund the project.
Bullard created the project because he saw a family-owned grocery store in his childhood neighborhood replaced by a large chain after rent increases. He partnered with AVMS to match artists with businesses, seeking to create connections that would draw customers to the independent shops. Toni Fanning, owner of Ritual Arts, participated after finding a new affordable storefront when her previous landlord tripled the rent.
The art installations are part of a self-guided tour where participants collect letters found on each tiny door to unlock a phrase and win a prize. As of late October, Bullard had distributed over 300 tour passports and received 40 completed submissions. Tyler Paolini, co-owner of Holdfast Specialty Seafood, observed increased customer interest thanks to the artwork, hoping the project will help Allston maintain its unique character. Bullard is considering expanding Tiny Doors to other Boston neighborhoods.
