WHY RAT CITY?
The name Rat City is based off the actual nickname of the neighborhood, Allston Rock City. Allston is a neighborhood of music and performance. Every year people visit Allston to see bands perform, artists begin their start, and enjoy a range of music halls.
Allston is also unfortunately home to a large population of rats. This is due to a range of reasons, from easy access to food, lack of rat control, and apathy among substandard landlords. Due to the myriad of reasons, rats have taken space in the experience of many Allston residents.
TO CALL IT THE RAT CITY ARTS FESTIVAL
Residents may have experienced running into rats on their morning commute, whenever they take out the trash, or discovering that there is a rat in their wall. It has become common to discuss your most severe rat experience in Allston as a way to build community with others.
This experience is extremely challenging to change. Landlords are generally apathetic to solving rat issues in their properties so many renters simply cope with living among the rats. To name our festival experience the ‘Rat City Arts Festival’ is to pay homage to the experience of so many residents of Allston. Let’s raise the issue of Allston’s rat problem to greater heights and at the same time celebrate the community that is formed due to that problem.
