WCC

The Worcester Cultural Coalition welcomes five new board members to its Board of Directors.

admin — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 19:20:36 +0000

The Worcester Cultural Coalition welcomes five new board members to its Board of Directors. Each selected board member demonstrates passion for the arts, leadership and a commitment to collaboration. Board members play a vital role in shaping the vision and direction of the arts and culture in our community. Bord members attend bi-monthly board meetings, contribute to active discussions and decision making and bring a collaborative spirit to strengthen and support Worcester’s creative sector. Learn more about our new board members below:

Troy B. Thompson

For over 30 years, Troy has combined design, photography, and technology as a creative and social entrepreneur to bring people together. As a web designer, he has helped nonprofits, universities, government entities, and small businesses reach wider audiences while improving accessibility and productivity. As a professional photographer, he specializes in cultural, community, and private events, capturing not just moments but the emotion, connection, and spirit behind them.

His nonprofit, the No Evil Project, uses art, humor, and conversation to challenge stereotypes and help people find commonality and understanding despite their differences. The project connects people at festivals, gives a voice to underrepresented communities, brings colleagues closer, fosters diversity conversations in colleges, and supports anti-bullying programs in schools. He has photographed over 11,000 people and produced 20+ exhibits tackling the stigma around race, gender, health, and domestic violence.

Fei Wu

Fei Wu is the founder and creator of Feisworld, a media company and podcast celebrating creative entrepreneurs and community changemakers. She is also the co-founder of Xiang Li Art, a mother-daughter collaboration that showcases traditional Chinese painting and cultural storytelling through exhibitions across the United States, including the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Harvard Museums, and the New England Botanic Garden. Fei produced and directed the documentary series, Feisworld, now streaming on Amazon Prime featuring guests such as Chris Voss, Sarah Cooper and Seth Godin. As a Global Ambassador for Adobe, she helps creators explore new possibilities with digital tools, and as a contributing writer for CNET, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and other Ziff Davis publications, she covers the intersection of technology, creativity, and human connection. A proud resident of Worcester County, Fei is passionate about expanding access to the arts and amplifying diverse voices through storytelling and innovation.

Patrice Beckford

Patrice Beckford, MA, SHRM-CP, CNP, is an executive HR and DEI leader dedicated to advancing equity, engagement, and organizational excellence. As Senior Director of People & Culture at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory, she shapes inclusive workforce strategies that strengthen culture and talent development. A certified nonprofit professional and maternal health advocate, Patrice empowers young people and underrepresented communities through mentorship and advocacy.

Mary Ellen Tisdell

Mary Ellen Tisdell is a Worcester native and a 2023 graduate from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and Quinsigamond Community College. She has been richly involved with the poetry and writing community of Worcester, and has been academically and professionally trained in Theatre Arts. She currently works in nonprofit management in Worcester.

Tuyet Tran

Tuyet Tran is the Chief Executive Officer of the Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts (SEACMA). She is passionate about using art and culture to build connection and belonging. Guided by the belief that everyone is an artist, Tuyet works to create spaces where diverse voices are celebrated and communities can thrive through creativity.

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WPS students eye ‘Origin’ as part of ArtsWorcester Future Arts Workers

admin — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:05:54 +0000

On Wednesday, May 28th, fifteen students from Worcester High School proudly unveiled Origin, a thoughtfully curated exhibition showcasing their creative vision and curatorial skills. As participants in the Future Arts Workers of Worcester program, these young artists took the lead in organizing every aspect of the show—from concept to opening night—marking a significant milestone in their artistic journeys. Read the story of their journey by Worcester Magazine

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The Power of Culture: What I Learned at the Worcester County State of the Arts Convening

admin — Thu, 22 May 2025 18:09:03 +0000

By Fei Wu | May 15, 2025 | Reading Time: 3 minutes

On May 14, 2025, I had the privilege of attending the Worcester County State of the Arts Convening at the beautiful Chocksett Inn in Sterling, MA. The event was hosted by the Worcester Cultural Coalition, led by Executive Director Fabian Barracks, and Fitchburg Cultural Alliance led by Jessie Olson with the kind support of Greater Worcester Community Foundation. Featured speakers were Michael Bobbitt, the Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council, and Emily Ruddock, Executive Director from MASSCreative.

This gathering brought together visual artists, fashion designers, visual artists, dancers, singers, curators, arts administrators, organizational leaders, and policy makers—all united by the belief that art is for all.

From feeling lost to feeling empowered

Before attending, I often found the world of cultural funding, creative policy, and arts advocacy to be confusing, full of unfamiliar acronyms and disconnected organizations. Today changed that for me. Hearing directly from the people doing the work and sitting alongside other creatives helped me understand the powerful ecosystem that exists to support us.

This event was completely free and welcoming, an important reminder that these spaces are meant for everyone.

The Cultural Asset Inventory: A game-changing tool

One of the highlights of the day was the launch of the 2024 Massachusetts Cultural Asset Inventory, a groundbreaking study conducted by the Mass Cultural Council and Diversity North Group.

112,190 individuals work in creative roles (3% of the MA workforce).
The median income for creators is $49,200, compared to a Massachusetts living wage of $58,000 for a single adult.
The inventory also includes 15,063 arts, humanities, and sciences organizations.
18% BIPOC representation and 8% people with disabilities.

Download the 2024 Massachusetts Cultural Asset Inventory.

The creative sector is an economic powerhouse

Contributes $29.7 billion to the Massachusetts economy.
Accounts for 4% of the state’s GDP (greater than education or transportation sectors).
Supports 130,263 jobs across the state.
Massachusetts ranks 3rd most arts-vibrant state in the U.S. as of 2024.

Who supports us? A list of partners and funders

This is where I used to get lost, so I want to make it easy for you:
The people and organizations who help fund, advocate, and grow the arts include:

Mass Cultural Council (MCC) – state arts agency for Massachusetts
Worcester Cultural Coalition – the lead organizer of this event
MASSCreative – grassroots advocacy network for creative equity and policy change
Mass Humanities
CreativeGround

Spotlight on MASSCreative

MASSCreative deserves a special mention. They work alongside artists, arts organizations, and community leaders to:

Host advocacy campaigns for increased arts funding
Lead virtual learning and organizing spaces
Push for state-level legislation to support creative spaces and fair access
Connect creatives with opportunities to take action and speak to legislators

I highly recommend visiting mass-creative.org and joining their Creative Action Network.

My takeaway: We are stronger together

Today felt vibrant, inclusive, and hopeful. The power of culture was visible in every conversation—from policy makers to performers. As a working artist and small business owner, I left with the deep understanding that I am not alone. There are entire systems, coalitions, and communities working behind the scenes to ensure that art remains a vital part of everyday life for all Massachusetts residents.

Get involved!

If you’re a creator, educator, organizer, or simply someone who cares about the arts:

Follow Worcester Cultural Coalition on Instagram @worcesterculturalcoalition and sign up for their newsletter.
Visit mass-creative.org to learn how you can advocate for creative sector policies.
Join a local arts network or cultural council. You belong in these rooms.

The message today was clear: Data is only half the work. Story is the other half.
And your story matters.

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Building a Career in the Arts-One internship at a time

admin — Tue, 20 May 2025 18:44:47 +0000

Through a partnership with The Prior Performing Arts Center, Kate Wheeler joined the Cultural Development Office as an intern in Summer 2024 and wrapped up her experience Spring 2025. From the very start, Kate brought unwavering dedication and focus to every aspect of her work—supporting community events, contributing to program planning, and assisting with marketing and outreach efforts. Her time with the office provided valuable hands-on experience and revealed how the arts can build community, foster connection, and serve as a meaningful career path. We’re deeply grateful for Kate’s hard work, creativity, and commitment to arts advocacy. Read on to hear Kate reflect on her internship experience.

When I first began my Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) journey, I was looking forward to diving deeply into the intricacies of outreach to artists and venders as well as assisting the people of Worcester. What are their needs? How does the City customize its components to fits the needs of its residents? Lastly, I wanted to see more if this work is for me. As a rising senior, now was the time to determine my future plans. Now that I sit at the end of my internship 11 months later, I can gladly say I got to experience all of those questions to their fullest and more. The next few paragraphs reflect on a few touching experiences I had over this internship.

The Out to Lunch Festival and Farmers’ Market experience was one of the best for exposure to the culture and art of Worcester. Assigned to retrieve, waive, and then return parking tickets to venders, I met every vender and got to hear a little more about their organization. From candles to tattoos to library books, I saw the variety of what vendors offer to the city. It was also great to build relationships with people as I saw them every week at Out to Lunch. Watching the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District

Program Director Victoria Mariano, Program Coordinator, Alex Monaco, along with the rest of the BID work during the event, I was inspired by their dedication to assisting both vendors and community members. I hope I will be back in Worcester for another Out to Lunch.

Speaking of building relationships, one of the benefits of working with the WCC for almost a year was getting to meet with artists over the course of multiple seasons. Through the WCC and Holy Cross’s Creative Residencies at the Prior, I met musician Daniel Gay who continued his project documenting the musical cultures of his students. After that summer, I met him twice more, once at the Worcester Cultural Coalition Annual Meeting and a second time when he brought some of his students to perform at the City of Worcester’s Annual Festival of Lights celebration. Both times, he recognized me and was happy to see me again. It was great to continue a relationship like that, especially with our paths unlikely to cross. I love that Worcester artists keep making art for and about Worcester.

A piece of my internship that has developed into a passion project is the updating and streamlining of the City of Worcester’s Public Art Map. Realizing that we needed to add to the existing data in the map, I created a separate excel sheet with documentation and improvements indicated. Currently we are working on pictures for pieces that have never had images taken, and I found several murals around Worcester which we do not have documentation for. In the future, hopefully we can find more information about these pieces. I am also super excited for the new Woobox photos to be added to the map.

These are just a few of the key moments I could touch on. This internship has grown my confidence, public-speaking, and communication skills, as well as adding more gems than I could count. I highly recommend this internship for any college student in my position, wanting more exposure to the arts environment.

Read more about Kate’s Journey at Holy Cross.
Vol. 1, Spring 2025 – Prior Performing Arts Centerq

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Worcester Cultural Coalition, City of Worcester Launch WooBox Art Project with 37 Mini Murals

admin — Thu, 15 May 2025 15:01:23 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/15/2025 3:50 pm

WORCESTER, Mass. – The City of Worcester Cultural Development Division, in partnership with the Worcester Cultural Coalition and the Department of Transportation and Mobility, announced Thursday the successful completion and installation of 37 new mini-murals across the city as part of the first round of the WooBox Art Project.

This citywide initiative transforms utility boxes into vibrant, eye-catching canvases that reflect Worcester’s rich history, diverse communities, and creative spirit. Through an open call in April 2024, artists and organizations from across Worcester were invited to submit original, community-inspired designs celebrating the theme of “Worcester’s Rich and Diverse Community.”

Each of the selected artists received a $750 honorarium per design. The designs were printed on protective, graffiti-resistant wraps that were installed on utility boxes throughout the city.

“Through the WooBox Art Project, we’ve created 37 new reasons to walk through Worcester with curiosity and pride,” said City of Worcester Cultural Development Officer Fabian Barracks. “This is just the beginning. We hope to continue this project through additional rounds until we’ve added public art to every utility box in the city.”

Submissions were reviewed by the Cultural Development Division and a group of local cultural leaders, including:

Juliet Feibel, Executive Director, ArtsWorcester
Penn Ruderman, Director, Office of Penn Ruderman Architects
Ché Anderson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for City & Community Relations, UMass Chan Medical School

The project reflects Worcester’s citywide Cultural Plan, which emphasizes creative placemaking, equitable access to the arts, and investment in local artists. Five boxes are dedicated to honoring Worcester’s Poet Laureates and are located around City Hall. All utility boxes include QR codes linking to an online art map featuring the artwork and artist bios.

“It was stunning to see the variety of artists and approaches to transform mundane utility boxes into something special,” said Ruderman. “I hope it serves as inspiration for more members of the community to go for it in the next round.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the city, find the WooBox murals, and share their favorites on social media. Community members are also reminded to respect the artwork and refrain from tagging or altering the boxes.

“These pieces belong to all of us,” added Barracks. “Let’s take pride in them and do our part to preserve their beauty.”

A digital map of the WooBox locations, featured artists, and more details can be found at WooBox Art Project | City of Worcester. The municipality’s public art map can be accessed at Worcester Public Art – Google My Maps.

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Three Local Artists Selected for HC x WCC: Creative Residencies for Worcester Artists at The Prior

admin — Tue, 06 May 2025 15:33:16 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 05/06/2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Matthews, MatthewsT@worcesterma.gov

WORCESTER, Mass. – Local artists Jesse Kenas Collins, Diana Khong and Angelique B. Webster have been selected for the second summer of creative summer residencies at The Prior Performing Arts Center at the College of the Holy Cross as part of its Scholarship in Action program HC x WCC. HC x WCC represents a three-year partnership between the College, the Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) and the City of Worcester’s Cultural Development Division.

A carpenter and luthier, Jesse Kenas Collins plans to film “Brightwood Strings: A Documentation of Hand-built Instruments and Their Players” while at The Prior. This project will feature footage of live performances of five handmade instruments from Middle Eastern cultures played by contemporary professional artists from related diasporas living and working in MA. The film aims to serve Collins’ mission of helping families and communities preserve and access their musical heritage through instrument restoration in order to facilitate the ability of younger generations and professionals to carry on their traditions.

Playwright/director Diana Khong’s project, “Mary Magdalene, Daughter, Boatperson,” is a two-act experimental play following three Vietnamese siblings and their coping mechanisms after the death of their mother. Khong looks forward to developing the play–inspired by historical study and lived experience–with a local Worcester cast.

Angelique B. Webster’s documentary film project, “Forged in Fire: A Legacy in Enamel,” follows Black American Worcester artist Jen Davis Carey’s practice of the ancient medium of enamel art to explore family history and celebrate Black culture. Through a series of interviews, the film follows Carey as she prepares for her first solo exhibition, uncovering personal stories and ancestral legacies that inspire her work.

By cultivating long-term relationships in Worcester, Scholarship in Action faculty, student researchers, and community stakeholders design meaningful research projects that center principles of equity, antiracism, and shared knowledge production that engage wider audiences both locally and globally. This collaborative initiative reflects the significant role that the liberal arts and the humanities play in addressing complex challenges.

In addition to the development of new artistic work, this SIA-funded project aims to create new knowledge for the field about the campus-based arts residency model. As part of the program, participants will engage in conversations and self-reflection about their residency process and experience.

These residencies offer artists the space and resources to develop their work while providing chances to engage directly with students, faculty and other local resident artists. This inclusive approach not only supports the arts but cultivates a sense of belonging and inspiration across diverse groups. Inviting the community on campus can break down barriers between academic institutions and the communities they serve, creating a hub for cultural exchange and creative collaborations.

About The Prior Performing Arts Center
The Prior Performing Arts Center at the College of the Holy Cross is an uncommon commons for transformative experiences with the arts. With dynamic programming and striking architectural design, The Prior supports arts-based collaboration across disciplines; offers technical capabilities to ignite the imaginations of students, faculty, community members, and visiting artists alike; and provides new avenues for leveraging the positive power of the arts for broad audiences and through civic and community partnerships.

About College of the Holy Cross
The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Mass., is among the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,200 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Since its founding in 1843, Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life.

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Voices of the City: Celebrating Worcester’s Poets Laureate

admin — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 15:44:30 +0000

In Worcester, poetry is more than an art form—it’s a living, breathing force that captures the soul of the city. At the helm of this creative energy are two extraordinary artists: Poet Laureate Oliver de la Paz (2022-2025) and Youth Poet Laureate Serenity Jackson (2023-2025). These visionary voices don’t just write poems; they build bridges between generations, spark conversations across cultures, and turn everyday language into powerful acts of community-making. In celebration of National Poetry Month, we invite you to journey with us into the minds and hearts of Worcester’s poetic leaders as they reflect on their personal paths, creative influences, and the deeper meaning of public poetry in today’s world.

Oliver de la Paz

Poet Laureate (2022-2025)

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be named Poet Laureate, or to any emerging poets looking to make a significant impact with their work?
My advice would be to think about where you could provide the most push using your platform. For me, I saw that there were a number of organizations that had been in place in Worcester for a long time and, rather than creating new programming which might cause a lot of overlap in events, work collaboratively with these organizations.

Were there any specific moments or experiences during your time as poet laureate that deeply impacted your work or personal growth?
My favorite moments were when I got to experience the vibrancy of Worcester’s youthful and exuberant poetry community. I had the delight in serving as judge for Poetry Out Loud on several occasions, as well as a marvelous Teen Spoken Word Competition, where I had the opportunity to hear incredible young poets perform their new creations before an audience. All of these events showed me how alive and how essential poetry is for our city’s identity.

Has serving as Poet Laureate influenced your teaching or your students’ perceptions of poetry?
For sure. I’m more able and apt to recognize the broad array of styles, platforms, questions, and concerns that my students have with the world, and I’m also able to make many more recommendations and suggestions including YouTube clips, TikTok videos, and performers from all around New England.

Who are some poets (or other writers/artists) who have influenced your style or approach to poetry
My early influence was the poet Li-Young Lee who is an immigrant Asian American poet writing about exile and love. His work was emotional for me and spoke to my own sense of self and my own family’s story. Later, I was influenced by Larry Levis, a poet who often wrote about his own life and his own sense of place which resembled my own small hometown upbringing.

How does being Poet Laureate shape your connection with other poets and writers in our community?
Part of the joys of becoming the Poet Laureate is getting to meet other poets in the community and seeing what it is that they’re interested in, who they are reading, and what sorts of outreach and community advocacy they are doing. Almost all of the poets of Worcester are actively doing things to support their community, and it’s been a deep honor getting to know their work.

What do you think your cultural impact is as a Poet Laureate?
I hope that my impact is as someone who was able to form some bridges and a scaffold of a program or two. I acknowledge that there’s never enough time, but there are certainly plenty of new connections that I was able to meet. In the long run, I hope that my cultural impact is that of bringing some recognition from people outside of the arts community that poetry is vital and essential and should be thought of as an art that is just as powerful as murals, recitals, and exhibitions. The power of the poem is its portability and in the ways that it is able to instantaneously create an emotional response through simple and astonishing acts of formulating new sentences that open up possibility.

Serenity Jackson

Youth Poet Laureate (2023-2025)

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be named Youth Poet Laureate, or to any emerging poets looking to make a significant impact with their work?

If I had to give the next Youth Poet Laureate advice, I would tell them to manage your time wisely! Life gets extremely busy, and you need to prioritize.

How did you feel during your first performance as Youth Poet Laureate? How do you feel now after a year?

When I first became Youth Poet Laureate, I was extremely nervous and filled with doubt and insecurity about my pieces. Now that it is a year later, I feel confident and prepared and love presenting my work.

What’s the difference in performing as rapper Lil Rennie vs YPL Serenity Jackson?

The difference in performing as rapper Lil Rennie vs YPL Serenity Jackson is when I perform as a rapper, it is driven by the beat and rhythm, and my lyrics just flow along with my dance moves. It is usually for a more relaxed audience.

When I perform as a poet, it is usually for important events and causes. It’s often a more intimate experience, where I get to use my voice to invite the audience to lean in, reflect, and sit with the imagery and meaning.

Which one of your poems/performances are you most proud of?

One of the performances I am most proud as a rapper is my performance at the Apollo Theater in New York City. The poem I am most proud of is the piece I wrote for the Stand Against Racism Community Breakfast at Polar Park.

What is one of the most important things you’ve learned as a performer since being a Youth Poet Laureate?

The most important thing I’ve learned as a performer is to be confident, be yourself no matter what, and allow people to feel the energy you create.

How can other young people be involved in the community and Worcester’s creative scene?

Young people can be involved in the community by showing up, getting inspired, staying alert on social media, and attending different community clubs.

What has been your favorite event you have performed at as a Youth Poet Laureate so far?

My favorite event I have performed at as a Youth Poet Laureate so far was the mayoral inauguration. Performing at this event was a powerful reminder of the role of the arts in civic life. It’s more than just a performance—it’s a moment of reflection, unity, and vision. The audience’s support was deeply moving—many expressed how the poem brought a personal and heartfelt dimension to the event.

Who are some poets (or other writers/artists) who have influenced your style or approach to poetry?

My passion for poetry started in my 8th grade English class. My teacher Mrs. Trotto encouraged me to perform and share my poetry. I enjoyed her style of teaching poetry through engaging activities and prompts. She encouraged me to write more and find different ways to be creative with poetry. An artist that inspires me as a hip-hop rap artist is Joyner Lucas. I love his writing style and storytelling approach in his rap songs.

As Oliver and Serenity’s terms near an end, we honor their powerful contributions to the city’s cultural life—amplifying local voices, bringing poetry into public spaces, and reminding us of the beauty found in everyday language. To learn more about their work visit the Adult Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate Facebook pages. To book a future engagement, visit Worcester Poet Laureate Programs. Let’s continue to celebrate and support the poets who help us see our city through their eyes, their voice, their experience.

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Celebrating Women in Arts & Culture!

admin — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:52:27 +0000

In Honor of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible contributions of women in Worcester’s arts and culture scene. This week, we’re thrilled to highlight three inspiring leaders—Juliet Feibel, Tuyet Tran, and Jen Gaskin—who are making a lasting impact with their innovation, dedication, and compassion. These trailblazers exemplify resilience and determination, shaping our creative community in powerful ways.

Jen Gaskin has brought Caribbean heritage to Worcester through the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival for over ten years. WCACA promotes the broader understanding and deeper appreciation of the Caribbean and Black American experience.

Juliet Feibel has led ArtsWorcester since 2011 and has had significant impact in Worcester’s art culture, educating, inspiring, and impacting artists of all kinds. Her leadership shapes the museums long term growth and cultural advancement.

Tuyet Tran is the Executive Director of the Southeast Asian Coalition where they strive to address cultural and linguistic services for Southeast Asian Immigrants in Central Massachusetts, bridging the gap between the Southeast Asian community and the Greater Worcester community.

Join us as we celebrate their achievements and recognize the importance of uplifting and empowering women every day!

Jennifer Gaskin

Founder/President/ Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association

What role have the arts played in your life, both personally and professionally?
I didn’t realize it until recently, but the arts have been a constant force in my life. From learning African dance as a child to writing as soon as I knew how to spell, and now leading the WCACA, creative expression has always been there—an anchor, an outlet, a way to process and release my traumas. The arts connect me to my culture, my spirituality, and ultimately, to myself.

How have other women in the arts inspired you?
Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison were powerful inspirations for me as a writer. Through their words, they shared their journeys, taught lessons, and created space for voices like mine. I also deeply admired Cicely Tyson—she was stunning, unapologetic, and the first representation I had of a famous and glamorous darker-skinned Black woman. Seeing her made me feel seen.

How do you incorporate your identity as a woman into your creative work and leadership?
As a Black woman, my identity is inseparable from my artistic expression. My Caribbean heritage deeply influences my creativity, connecting me to my ancestors and shaping my journey. I incorporate my femininity into my art by celebrating Black womanhood, exploring cultural narratives, utilizing traditional techniques, and addressing social issues. Through these approaches, I strive to create art that reflects my personal experiences and resonates with the broader narratives of Black femininity and cultural heritage.

In your opinion, what are some of the challenges women face in the arts, and how have you navigated them?
As a Black woman in the arts, I confront the same challenges that women face across society: being overlooked, underestimated, and treated as unequal. Despite women comprising 51% of visual artists today, they remain underrepresented in major art institutions. For instance, a 2022 report revealed that women accounted for only 33.6% of exhibiting artists in state galleries and 30.5% in major museums. Additionally, women artists earn only one-third of what their male counterparts make. These disparities are compounded for women of color, who face additional layers of discrimination. In response, I persistently show up, using my voice and actions to challenge these inequities and carve out space for myself and others in the artistic community.

What advice would you give to empower women, especially those from underrepresented groups?
To all women, especially those from traditionally undervalued communities: Keep showing up. Keep raising your voice. You belong, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Art is your story, and there’s no right or wrong way to express it.

Juliet Feibel

Executive Director ArtsWorcester

What role have the arts played in your life, both personally and professionally?
I pursued theatre and dance quite seriously from late elementary school through high school, and then shifted to literary criticism and art history, from museum internships all the way to a PhD. So growing up, my extracurricular activities were arts-based and much of my social life was also arts-based (hello, show choir!).

My parents were very active volunteers for the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and they took my sister and me with them everywhere. They weren’t thinking of exposing us to career paths–they were just running errands with kids in tow–but this meant I grew up seeing the backstage of arts organizations, the literal backstage, and the offices where finance staff and fundraisers and graphic designers work. That turned out to be enormously important.

How have other women in the arts inspired you?
“Competent” doesn’t sound like a term of high praise or a very inspirational ideal, but it is for me. People who show up on time, who get things done, who come to a project knowing what is necessary and what is nonsense, who deliver what they promise, who don’t suffer fools but still manage them kindly–they catalyze me, and make me want to deliver even better work. I salute the stage managers of the arts world, whatever the discipline.

How do you incorporate your identity as a woman into your creative work and leadership?
Good leadership is good leadership, regardless of gender. But my experience as a mother of two working an exhilarating but demanding job–with many evening and weekend hours–means that I am intent on flexibility in the workspace, and respect for a healthy work-life balance. For the ArtsWorcester team, this might mean the ability to rearrange hours or work from home to help with kids, aging parents, or other household demands. For artists, it might mean balancing a studio art practice with their work responsibilities. I don’t worry about how work gets done, as long as it’s done well and on time. I don’t think of that sort of leadership as particularly feminine, but it was a female experience that brought me to it.

In your opinion, what are some of the challenges women face in the arts, and how have you navigated them?
The arts are one of the few industries in which women are not at a great significant historic disadvantage. (That said, the leadership of major museums and the largest performing arts companies remain predominantly in the hands of men; sisters, we have farther to go!).

I think the challenge is rather that the arts themselves, particularly smaller or community-based efforts, are perceived as “women’s work”–not as the economic and social powerhouses that they are. Hard numbers tell us how crucial the arts are to our economy, at the local, state, and national level. Here in Massachusetts alone, the arts and culture sector is a $28.6 billion dollar industry, with some 133,000 jobs. That’s larger than both construction and transportation. We need to walk and talk that way.

What advice would you give to empower women, especially those from underrepresented groups?
Trust your gut. If your intuition doesn’t feel good about something, give yourself the time to figure out why.

Perhaps my all-time favorite example: Sue Von, ArtsWorcester’s administrator, once kept ArtsWorcester from taking on a bad project, one the rest of us were excited about, because something about it just didn’t feel right to her. She went back, looked at some data, figured out the problem, spoke up about what she found, and saved us from what could have been an exhausting disaster.

If you are hearing something in conversation or in a plan you don’t like, but you can’t figure out why or what to say, be non-committal. Defer your response. Determining a better solution or outcome, regardless of the situation, takes careful consideration, and time. But you’ve got to listen to your intuition first.

Tuyet Tran

Executive Director/ Southeast Asian Coalition of Central MA

What role have the arts played in your life, both personally and professionally?
I believe everyone is an artist. We all have a desire to create. Since childhood, art has been my way of making sense of the world. I had a traumatic childhood that caused a lot of inner turmoil, and writing became my refuge. I created stories of heroes like Wonder Woman—characters who made me feel powerful when I often felt powerless.

Photography also became a way for me to create, to capture beauty in the way people posed. But film was expensive, and I couldn’t take as many pictures as I wanted. That limitation never stopped me from seeing the world through an artistic lens. Now of course, it’s different with technology, it’s easier to create but harder to keep your art unique and authentic.

Writing remained my greatest comfort. I wrote poetry, stories about my life, conversations I had, and things my sisters said—anything that felt real and meaningful to me. Storytelling has always been at the heart of my creativity. Whether through writing reflection, poetry, lyrics in a way that makes people laugh, art is more than just something I do—it’s who I am.

How have other women in the arts inspired you?
Women in the arts who create despite obstacles inspire me the most. Many of them are not famous. They are in our communities. They are the ones who have found ways to express their truth—whether or not they were formally trained, whether or not they had approval from the world—remind me that art is about passion and authenticity, not just credentials. Seeing women share their stories, their struggles, and their resilience has pushed me to keep creating, even when I doubted myself.

I admire women who break barriers, who don’t conform, who bring raw emotion into their work. I see their courage, and it encourages me to find my own voice.

How do you incorporate your identity as a woman into your creative work and leadership?
Being a woman influences everything about my creative work. My writing reflects themes of resilience, power, struggle, and transformation. My poetry is a mix of darkness and light—just like life. I use humor to heal because humor has saved me more times than I can count.

As a leader, I challenge the idea that formal training or belonging to an art club is necessary to be taken seriously. I create because it’s a part of who I am, and I encourage others—especially women—to do the same. I want to foster spaces where women don’t have to ask for permission to create or be heard.

In your opinion, what are some of the challenges women face in the arts, and how have you navigated them?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a woman in the arts is confidence. In my culture, women are not seen through the same lens as men. Even today, women often have to fight harder to be taken seriously. If you don’t have traditional training or a certain level of recognition, it can feel like your work is dismissed.

But I’ve learned that art doesn’t need permission. I create because I must as a form of my own need to evolve and find meaning. I’ve stopped waiting for validation from institutions or others. Instead, I focus on expressing myself in a way that is real and meaningful. I navigate these challenges by embracing my truth, surrounding myself with people who uplift me, and trusting that my voice matters.

I have also used what influence I have to find spaces for community artists to bring their art forward. An example of this includes helping to make the first Asian Festival come to life in 2004. Then, it was the Southeast Asian Festival. A few hundred people showed up. Now it’s a couple of thousands.

What advice would you give to empower women, especially those from underrepresented groups?

Your art is valid, no matter where you come from, no matter how you learned to create. You don’t need permission, training, or approval to express yourself. If you have something to say, say it. If you have something to create, create it.
Confidence doesn’t always come easily, but you have to own your space in the world. Find people who support you, but don’t wait for others to believe in you before you believe in yourself. Your voice, your perspective, your story—these are your powers. And no one else can tell them the way you can.

The post Celebrating Women in Arts & Culture! appeared first on WCC.

City, College Partnership Grows Worcester Works in Progress

Brittany Wong — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 15:23:28 +0000

Worcester filmmaker Cyrille Vincent had driven the city’s Major Taylor Boulevard countless times, but never considered who it was named for. “I heard about him — at least my GPS reminded me many times I was on his road downtown,” Vincent said with a laugh. “But I did not know it was referencing an African-American world bicycle champion.” He discovered that when he spotted a statue of Taylor outside a city library: “That caught my eye.” Curiosity, research and then the idea for a documentary followed — if he didn’t know Taylor’s story, chances were others in Worcester, where Taylor spent much of his legendary life, might not either. To share that biography, however, intrigue would not be enough; Vincent also needed the dedicated time and resources to do so. Documentary filmmaker Cyrille Vincent holds up a promotional poster for his film on cyclist Major Taylor. Enter Holy Cross and its newest building, the state-of-the-art Prior Performing Arts Center. Earlier this year, The Prior invited applications and chose two local artists, Vincent and musician Daniel Gay, to be the inaugural recipients of a summer residency, HC x WCC: Creative Residencies for Worcester Artists at The Prior. These grants are the product of a new three-year partnership, funded by Holy Cross’ Scholarship in Action program, between the College, the Worcester Cultural Coalition, and the city’s Cultural Development Division. The partnership will offer rehearsal space, a stipend and dedicated time to work on their craft to several cohorts of Worcester artists as part of the team’s broader research into how campus-based arts centers can support local arts. Since The Prior’s opening in August 2022, the center has hosted internationally famous artists, served as a daily working classroom and rehearsal space, showcased myriad concerts and performances, and much more. With respect to the local community, “We’ve brought visiting artists into Worcester Public Schools classrooms and Worcester students to The Prior. What’s been missing until now is service to Worcester artists,” said Kyle Frisina, The Prior’s interim director. Vincent discusses his project with visitors. Both projects’ needs are unique and speak to each artist’s specific ties to their community, a pillar of the residency that aims to build a firmer bridge between the resources the College can offer and the stories Worcester artists want to tell. ART AND COMMUNITY In Major Taylor, Vincent found the perfect subject: a cyclist who was a symbol not only for one of the most popular sports of the time, but also a beacon of resilience for Black athletes. Taylor was born in Indiana, but Jim Crow laws made it difficult to race there. At the advice of his mentor, Birdie Munger, they moved to Worcester at the end of the nineteenth century. His career then flourished, but not without some obstacles. “People complained, they tried to attack him on the track, some would even not participate because they thought they were better — others were afraid because they knew he would win,” Vincent said. Even by modern standards, Taylor is considered the greatest American sprinter of all time. Still, his local legacy may not be as touted as it should be, even though he garnered the nickname the Worcester Whirlwind. Vincent used his residency to work on compiling research and outlining the structure for the script for his documentary, “Whirlwind: The Major Taylor Story.” “I haven’t really had that much focused time to research and write since I started working on this project because I’m always doing everything at the same time,” including fundraising and marketing, he said. “I made sure that my schedule is the residency,” he added, reflecting a goal Frisina hopes artists get out of this fresh program. “For many artists, the opportunity for time and space apart from their distracted lives is rare,” she said, noting that “the focus of these residencies is on development — we are intentionally supporting work in progress. What we’re offering is a playground for people to roll up their sleeves, get messy and exist in an experimental state.” Vincent used his residency at the Prior Performing Arts Center to work on compiling research and outlining the structure for the script for his Major Taylor documentary, “Whirlwind: The Major Taylor Story.” This practice, as Frisina sees it, is exemplary of not only how artists create new work, but of the very notion of the liberal arts. Both, she said, “are about risk, feedback, evolution, discovery. The liberal arts environment is actually the ideal incubator for artistic process. The Prior has a unique opportunity, I’d even call it a responsibility, to contribute this kind of programming to the cultural ecosystem. It’s an honor and a total joy.” CREATING THE SOUNDS OF THE CITY A sense of play is what appealed to Gay, a Worcester Public Schools teacher, who is composing a seven-part suite highlighting the musical backgrounds of Worcester’s immigrant communities. During his residency, Gay recorded tracks that gestured toward what a final product would one day sound like. “I’ve taught refugees and newcomers for about 10 years, and I’ve made it my mission to learn some of the music” from those student’s cultures, he noted. Worcester is a city with a large immigrant population — 23% of its 200,000+ residents were born outside of the U.S. — so Gay’s students and their families come from all over the world. “What is going to eventually come from this residency is a premiere: a concert featuring seven movements that represent the seven hills of Worcester,” which in turn represent seven distinct communities in the city. Part of Gay’s upcoming “Seven Hills Suite,” this track was recorded during Gay’s residency at the Prior Performing Arts Center. Gay likens his composition to a suite through which he hopes to capture and share “the sounds of the city.” “For a place that’s 200,000 people and that’s not New York City, it’s important to show Worcester as a special space — it’s a city where the whole world is here,” he said. At the residency, Gay savored alone time to rehearse and played with a small group using basic instruments that nod toward the ethnically appropriate ones that would be used by his immigrant collaborators in an eventual concert. A room at the Prior allowed Gay to look out over the city as he composed. As he tinkered, Gay got to do so while enjoying an unexpected benefit the program affords. “Geographically, there is something about writing a piece of music while looking down at the city from above, a view you can only get from the College,” he said, noting that as he writes, he takes in the vistas and hills that define his musical tapestry. “I value it more than I can say.”

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