Workplace | Education
Harvard Innovation Labs
Allston, MA
Project Highlights
- Property Type: University innovation and entrepreneurship hub
- Services Provided: Curated selection and installation of a custom wallcovering mural in a central space; curation and production of custom notebooks featuring ArtLifting artists for mentor and advisor gifts
Featured Artists
Key Takeaways
- Founded at the iLab, ArtLifting reflects Harvard’s spirit of inclusive innovation and social impact.
- A bold mural adds meaning and visual energy to the iLab’s central space.
- Custom notebooks featuring local Boston artists celebrate mentors while deepening community connection.
“One of my favorite things about having my art viewed by people outside of my studio is the wide spectrum of interpretation, especially with abstract art. I hope that whatever my piece activates in an individual, that it inspires their own creative impulses through conversations, self-reflection, innovation, and maybe even a little artmaking of their own.”
- Madison Elyse Rubenstein, ArtLifting artist
Bringing ArtLifting Home
Harvard Innovation Labs and ArtLifting share a long-standing connection rooted in inclusive entrepreneurship. ArtLifting was founded by Liz Powers during her time at the iLab. In 2024, the partnership came full circle with a multifaceted collaboration that celebrates this shared history while activating the iLab space through meaningful, high-impact design.
At the heart of the collaboration is a striking mural of Invent, Endure, Outlive Them by artist Madison Elyse Rubenstein. Positioned along a central curved wall, the mural integrates the iLab’s “Hi” logo. It was designed to offer an abstract, gender-neutral, and globally inspired backdrop that encourages both reflection and interaction.
In addition to the mural, custom notebooks featuring artwork by Boston-based ArtLifting artists were created as thoughtful gifts for iLab mentors and advisors, highlighting the lab’s dedication to creativity and community.
“Our team has been inspired to see ArtLifting represent 190 artists across the country. We’re truly honored to have Madison Elyse Rubenstein’s work as a permanent installation at the Harvard Innovation Labs; the impact of their piece is stunning.”
- Alexandra Stephens, Marketing and Communications Director at the Harvard Innovation Labs.
Media
- Harvard Innovation Labs | Turning Ideas Into Impact: ArtLifting
- Harvard Innovation Labs | Harvard Innovation Labs and ArtLifting Announce Mural Installation by Madison Elyse Rubenstein
Images
1. Banner: Four people admire the wallcovering of Invent, Endure, Outlive Them by Madison Elyse Rubenstein, installed on a curved wall inside Harvard iLab. The vibrant abstract mural integrates bold strokes of pink, green, blue, and purple, creating an energetic focal point in the industrial workspace. Photography by Michael Madden.
2. Print reproductions of Reaching Higher, Blue Cloud, and Bright Eyes (from left to right) by Nick Morse displayed above a row of workstations in Harvard iLab. The expressive abstract works add color and movement to the clean white walls of the collaborative workspace. Photography by Michael Madden.
3. Wallcovering featuring Invent, Endure, Outlive Them by Madison Elyse Rubenstein, installed on a curved wall inside Harvard iLab. The vibrant abstract mural integrates bold strokes of pink, green, blue, and purple, creating an energetic focal point in the industrial workspace. Photography by Michael Madden.
4. Additional angle of Nick Morse’s prints Reaching Higher, Blue Cloud, and Bright Eyes hung above shared workspaces at Harvard iLab. Photography by Michael Madden.
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