WORCESTER, MA — City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. today announced that Cultural Development Officer Erin Williams will step aside from her duties in June after serving the city for 18 years.

Williams concurrently served as the executive director of the Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC), a public private partnership that advocates for the creative community throughout the region. Under her leadership, the Coalition has grown to include 89 cultural organizations, including museums, festivals, performance venues, artist collectives, and educational institutions.

In 2018, Williams and the WCC founded the Worcester PopUp, a mixed-use creative space. The second phase of creating accessible community space, construction of the Worcester BrickBox Theater behind the PopUp, was completed in 2019 thanks to a $2 million donation from the late Jean McDonough, a long-time supporter of local arts. In McDonough’s honor, the PopUp and the BrickBox function as the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC), which has hosted over 400 events.

“Erin has been a tireless advocate for the arts and cultural community,” said Augustus. “It’s no coincidence that Worcester’s rise in cultural prominence has occurred during Erin’s tenure. In addition to lifting up diverse artists and championing creative campaigns, she has established the arts as an essential component of the economic engine that powers our thriving city. We can’t thank Erin enough for all she has done for Worcester and the cultural renaissance of Central Massachusetts.”

Through her work with individuals and institutions across the city and the region, Williams has been instrumental in embedding art into everyday life and a variety of sectors. Some of her additional accomplishments include the City’s first Cultural Plan – the first cultural plan to be included in its city’s masterplan nation-wide, the Poets Laureate program – including the first Youth Poet Laureate in the Commonwealth, the I Am Worcester campaign, substantial growth of the Worcester Arts Council, a voting awareness and advocacy initiative, the Culture LEAP program with Worcester Public Schools, the #MakeArtEverywhere campaign, and a city-wide wayfinding system. In the early days of the pandemic, she began hosting the Cultural Task Force to help the arts community navigate the many challenges COVID-19 presented, and she shepherded the Give Me a Sign campaign, which featured billboards and street signs with uplifting messages by a wide variety of artists.

“It’s time to pass the baton and make space in leadership for others,” said Williams. “It’s been a privilege working on behalf of the creative community. Together we have accomplished so much and put talented artists, and the big and small c cultural organizations, in a position to thrive in the years to come. I’m excited to see what comes next for artists and cultural organizations in Greater Worcester.”

Prior to her role for the city, Williams’ roles included working as a field representative for the Mass Cultural Council and service as the founding executive director for 1794 Meetinghouse Inc., a nonprofit cultural center dedicated to cultural programming serving north-central and western Massachusetts.

“Worcester is a better place to live, work, and create because of Erin and all she has achieved with the City,” said Eric Butler, board chair of Worcester Cultural Coalition. “Erin’s vision has taken Worcester arts to the next level and our sector is now positioned with an unrivaled cultural plan to continue to thrive in the years ahead.”

In the coming months, the cultural development officer position will be posted and the search for Williams’ successor will begin.

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Gift the power of creativity to Worcester organizations this December.

WORCESTER, MA – The Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) is launching the first Worcester Creative Giving Campaign, an initiative which amplifies the fundraising efforts of dozens of local arts and cultural organizations. The Campaign will run December 1 – December 31, 2020. The public can learn more and find organizations of interest at WorcesterCulture.org/Give.

“From local museums, music and theater venues, and performance groups to galleries, educational institutions, festivals, and beyond, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the continuity of the creative sector,” said Erin Williams, Executive Director of the WCC.

According to a November report from the Mass Cultural Council, artists and cultural organizations in Massachusetts reported $504 million in lost revenue and over 30,000 jobs impacted since March. “Organizations within Massachusetts’ cultural sector were among the first to voluntarily close and will be the last to fully reopen because of COVID,” said David T. Slatery, Acting Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council.

“During times of seclusion, we rely on arts and culture to bring us comfort and joy, and ultimately keep our community connected,” said WCC Chair Tracy Kraus. She added that, “arts and culture breathe life into our city. Supporting nonprofit and cultural organizations is critical to protecting our city’s vitality for years to come.”

Founded in 2000, the Worcester Cultural Coalition is a public-private partnership between the City of Worcester and nearly 80 cultural nonprofits in greater Worcester. Through collective efforts, the WCC supports and advocates for the arts at local, state, and national levels. “We’re fortunate that Worcester’s creative institutions recognize the value of community,” Williams said. “Because the Coalition formed 20 years ago, we’re not facing the challenges of the pandemic alone. We’re facing them together.”

At the 9-month mark since COVID-19 disrupted daily life in Massachusetts, cultural organizations of all sizes are facing significant financial difficulties. With the next steps around the virus uncertain, the costly operational changes required to ensure safety and fund ongoing programming are out of reach for many. Supporting greater Worcester’s cultural organizations through collective work, the WCC’s Creative Giving Campaign encourages the public to select one or more local organizations which are accepting donations.

“Through public giving support, Greater Worcester’s cultural organizations can raise the funds that may make the difference between closing the book and creating the next chapter,” said Williams.

The Worcester Creative Giving Campaign launching on Giving Tuesday is no coincidence. Donors are gifting the power of creativity to a city when they need it the most.

“After all, what is Worcester without the arts?” Williams asked.

For the full report from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, visit: https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/survey-shows-continued-staggering-impacts-of-covid-19-on-states-cultural-sector/

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2020 was a year of many challenges which continue today: a pandemic which threatens our health and livelihoods, racial and social injustice, and the fragile nature of our collective purpose: creative community engagement.  Thanks to nearly 80 organizations working together, the WCC’s mission to bring vibrancy and creativity to the region has endured, and we are continuing our work toward generating both economic and social capital while promoting access to culture for all. 

The WCC advocates for funding on state and national levels, and works to bring new resources to the region, all of which will help our Cultural Plan become a Cultural Reality. This past year’s highlights include:

• Worcester Together: a partnership between many community partners in response to COVID addresses both acute and long-term needs of the Worcester Community. WCC partnered with Greater Worcester Community Foundation on a Creative Relief Fund, the bi-weekly Cultural Task Force, and Member Surveys which allow us to collect data needed to tell our stories and seek support.
• Addressing our role in systemic inequalities. Beyond educating and questioning ourselves, we are diversifying voices on our Board, committees, and programs, and encourage the same of our partners.
• The WCC partnered with the Worcester Public Schools and Worcester Education Development Fund to implement 13 Culture LEAPS in the FY20 school year. This work pivoted to a virtual summer enrichment academy, further development of the Woo-Labs model, and a partnership with the WPS to provide virtual cultural programs provided by 10 cultural organizations.

Through email, social media, radio, and billboards, the Worcester Cultural Coalition generated a collective marketing impact for our member organizations at an estimated dollar value exceeding $355,000 in FY20.

Click here to read the full 2020 Annual Report, including more information on advocacy, promoting arts and culture, the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC), works of the City’s Cultural Development Division, and Worcester Cultural Coalition operations.

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COVID-19 has changed our way of live indefinitely. The cultural sector has been deeply impacted, and arts organizations are feeling the financial stress like never before. Read on for details on local, state-wide, and national effects to culture, and for ways to take action to ensure creative workers and institutions aren’t left behind as budgets are reevaluated and funds distributed.

The Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) hosted a survey for Worcester cultural organizations. Respondents ranged from small volunteer efforts to large institutions, including the performing arts, museums, the sciences, visual arts, public radio, festivals, game development, and more. As of May 18, the 34 respondents reported revenue loss of $6.29 million, with a total expected loss exceeding $12.6 million. Thus far, 21% of organizations with paid employees have laid off or furloughed staff, over a third have reduced salaries and hours, and at least 70% have applied for financial aid through the PPP or SBA’s EIDL. View the data in a slideshow here. This survey was only open for 4 days to make the data available during a recent Town Hall with Congressman Jim McGovern hosted by the WCC and the MCC.

The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) has completed two surveys of both arts organizations and individual creative workers in Massachusetts. In its first survey released March 24, 566 cultural organizations reported over $55 million in losses. Less than a month later on April 15, nearly 700 organizations reported losses exceeding $260 million, and over 15,000 jobs had been impacted by layoffs, furloughs, and reductions to work hours or pay.  More information, and links to these surveys, can be viewed at MassCulturalCouncil.org.

Americans for the Arts (AFTA) updates their national findings weekly. As of June 1, 2020, over 12,000 nonprofit arts and cultural respondents have reported financial losses estimated at $5.9 billion, with 67% expecting a “severe” impact on their organization, and 39% saying they are “likely” to have to reduce staff. Of course, these losses extend beyond the cultural sector itself – it’s estimated that $7.3 billion has been lost in event-related spending at local businesses such as restaurants, retail, and lodging. Of the 19,000+ individual artists who responded, 94% are losing income and 62% are fully unemployed, and 66% are unable to access supplies, resources, spaces, and people necessary for their work. Despite these foreboding numbers, the AFTA survey also found a tremendous resilience: 67% of organizations and 75% of artists are creating content to raise community spirit, improve morale, and create community cohesion.

In reviewing data gathered before COVID-19, the 2017 Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 study found that just in Worcester, arts and culture is a $125.7 million industry. This industry doesn’t just enhance quality of life, but its economic benefits reach far beyond the walls of its venues.

The data make it clear – for the arts to survive, action is needed. Many organizations are offering suggestions on how to advocate for the arts and cultural sector, including Americans for the Arts and MASSCreative, which lists ideas including contacting your elected officials, signing petitions, writing a letter to an editor, creating and sharing a self portrait, and ways to advocating for funding at the national, state, and local levels.

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The City of Worcester Cultural Development Division, in partnership with the Worcester Cultural Coalition and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, is accepting proposals from artists and designers for the Give Me A Sign project.

“The ‘Give Me A Sign’ project highlights the relationship between creative expression and mental health, which is especially relevant during COVID-19,” said Deputy Cultural Development Officer Che Anderson. “Artistic and creative outlets contribute positively to our community’s well-being and have proven valuable in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.”

To provide the community with moments of inspiration, education, and optimism, the Give Me A Sign project will provide visual encouragement throughout Worcester on 12” x 18” metal signs. The Request For Qualifications on the City of Worcester website lists various inspiration for messaging including “call your grandparents,” “you can and you will,” and “tomalo con calma.”

Artists are invited to submit their qualifications until May 26 and will be notified of their selection by June 2. Once notified, finalists will have until June 9 to submit digital designs for consideration. Up to 19 designers will be selected by a committee, which will coordinate sign fabrication and place signs throughout Worcester. Honorariums in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to the creators of the designs chosen.

“With the adoption of the Cultural Plan in 2019, the City aims to share Worcester’s story through embedding art into our everyday lives,” said Erin Williams, Cultural Officer for the City of Worcester. “Worcester is committed and excited to offer 19 paid creative opportunities to artists, especially in these uncertain times.”

The Requests for Qualifications are open to all artists, artist teams, and design professionals with experience in public art design. Professionals residing in or with studio space in the city of Worcester are encouraged to apply. The deadline to submit qualifications is May 26, 2020, with installation planned for June 16, 2020. The signs are expected to be on display through at least June 2021.

Artists and designers may submit their credentials using this Google Form.

For more information, including full project details, please click here.

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WORCESTER, MA – Two weeks after the announcement of the Worcester Creative Relief Fund, 70 local individuals in the creative sector have been selected to receive $500 grants. The Worcester Cultural Coalition and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation established these grant funds to help supplement income the creative community has lost due to COVID-19.

“Many workers in the creative sector have been without work for a month or longer,” said Erin Williams, Executive Director of the Worcester Cultural Coalition. “Worcester understands the importance and power of arts and culture. It is essential to these workers, and to the sustainability of our local cultural economy, to distribute these funds as quickly as possible.”

A selection committee reviewed over a hundred applications in a matter of days. “There were many heartfelt stories of the challenges people in Worcester are facing, and we know the applications we received just scratch the surface of the real needs that exist locally and beyond,” said Barbara Fields, President & CEO of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation.

Worcester Creative Relief Fund grants in the amount of $500 have been awarded to artists who live or work in Worcester and have had their creative practices and incomes adversely impacted by COVID-19. The Fund was designed to support Worcester artists of all types who have been financially impacted by event/gig cancellations, the inability to exhibit their work/book shows, and/or have lost revenue from their day jobs being eliminated due to COVID-19. Grant recipients have been notified by email and payments will go out as soon as possible.

The Worcester Cultural Coalition has also established a repository of resources for the Creative Community at https://worcesterculture.org/creative-community-resources/. This page is updated regularly to include grant and low-interest loan opportunities, resources for individuals and nonprofits, impact surveys to gauge the needs of the cultural sector, and additional coverage of the state of the arts in the wake of COVID-19.

“In Worcester and across the world, workers in the arts and cultural sector already function on thin margins and have reported increasing pressure,” said Williams. Local, national, and international authorities have established strict guidelines in order to “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of the coronavirus through banning large gatherings. These guidelines have resulted in the temporary closure of institutions and venues, and cancelled performances, shows, events, and classes. “These closures are having an unimaginable impact,” said Williams. Further, many artists supplement their incomes with part time jobs, often in the service industry, which has also been hit hard by these guidelines.

“An active embrace of art and culture has been a key driver of the ‘Worcester renaissance.’ Maintaining that momentum means supporting these individuals and institutions so they’ll thrive again once we can all enjoy them safely,” Fields explained.

“It has been inspiring to see our community transcend adversity, innovating how we can connect through an active embrace of creative arts and culture. Through these expressions, we’re engaging despite physical distance, which is a testament to the power of culture!” noted Williams.

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Announcing a new source of one-time funding for individuals working in the creative sector whose income has been negatively impacted by public safety measures surrounding COVID-19.

WORCESTER, MA – The Worcester Cultural Coalition, in partnership with the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, is addressing the acute and long-term needs of arts and culture workers and nonprofits, through a modest grant program.

The Worcester Creative Relief Fund will award grants in the amount of $500 to artists who live or work in Worcester and have had their creative practices and incomes adversely impacted by COVID-19. The Fund is designed to support Worcester artists of all types (visual, performing, design, etc.) who have been financially impacted by event/gig cancellations, the inability to exhibit their work/book shows, and/or have lost revenue from their day jobs being eliminated due to COVID-19.

Apply Now

“In Worcester and across the world, workers in the arts and cultural sector already functioning on thin margins have reported increasing pressure,” said Erin Williams, Executive Director of the Worcester Cultural Coalition. Local, national, and international authorities have established strict guidelines in order to “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of the virus through banning large gatherings. These guidelines have resulted in the temporary closure of institutions and venues, and cancelled performances, shows, events, and classes. Further, many artists supplement their incomes with part time jobs, often in the service industry, which has also been hit hard by these guidelines.

“Arts and culture have long been an important component of life in Worcester and beyond. We’re proud to support our area’s vibrant culture in good times, and we have a responsibility to not just our creative sector, but to the community at large, to ensure the creative sector can survive these uncertain times,” Williams noted. “It has been inspiring to see our community transcend adversity, innovating how we can connect through an active embrace of creative arts and culture. Through these expressions, we’re engaging despite physical distance, which is a testament to the power of culture!”

The Worcester Creative Relief Fund has been established to meet immediate needs for individual artists as defined below.  Applications will be accepted online until April 8 at 5pm. The Worcester Cultural Coalition will convene a panel to review applications and make recommendations. These efforts are in line with long-term plans to protect and support the creative sector in Worcester.

Eligibility
The Worcester Creative Relief Fund is focused on current loss of income, providing relief for artists who live or work in Worcester, with a limit of one grant awarded per applicant and priority given to lower-income artists. Worcester Arts Council 2020 grant recipients are not eligible for this award.

The Worcester Creative Relief Fund is open for, but not limited to, the following uses:

• Recouping financial losses due to cancelled events, including but not limited to:
  • Performances in all performing arts discipline
  • Readings, panels, or speaking opportunities
  • Classes, workshops, or demonstrations
• Reimbursement for creative work expenses which have already been paid, including but not limited to:
  • Cancelled conferences or convenings which cannot be refunded
  • Artist Residencies
  • Touring
• Offset loss of income for teaching artists who experienced loss of income due to cancelled classes and/or school closures
• Support for artists working full or part-time in the service industry who have lost supplemental income used to support their creative practices.

Application Cycle
Applications will be accepted from Wednesday, April 1 through Wednesday, April 8 at 5:00 p.m. The application may remain open, or reopen at a later time, if need remains and funds have not been exhausted.

Grant Award Criteria
Grants are one-time payments of $500. For an application to be considered, applicants must provide the following:

• A 100-word summary of personal financial hardships due to COVID-19,
• Evidence of lost opportunity/income due to COVID-19. This may be a cancelled contract or letter of validation from a local nonprofit/civic leader, venue host, employer or gig organizer. In leu of a formal contract, this may be in the form of an email from an authorized agent of the 3rd party,
• A completed W9, and
• Proof of residence, for example a recent utility bill, paycheck, or bank statement.

Complete applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2020 and can be submitted through Google Drive.

For questions or concerns, the public may contact the City of Worcester Cultural Development Office: culture@worcesterma.gov or 508-799-1400 x 31414.

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Hello Cultural Community,

Worcester City leadership held a press conference on March 12 to outline its response to the COVID-19 virus. The priority is to ensure safety for all residents. All City-sponsored events hosting 50 people or more are cancelled, the Senior Center is closed temporarily, and Worcester Public Schools are closed Friday for deep cleaning. As of now, they reopen Monday, March 16.

We thank the public venues who are following protocols regarding public hygiene in response to the COVID-19 virus, and for sharing this information with the public. This furthers our goals of prevention and public safety.

Regarding events anticipating over 50 attendees, City Manager Ed Augustus requests that institutions, venues, and organizations urge the elderly and immune-compromised not to attend as a matter of public health and safety. In addition, we are sensitive to the community’s needs at this time, and ask that each institution be flexible and accommodating around reimbursement practices and policies.

The Worcester Cultural Coalition is actively involved in local and statewide discussions around the impact to the cultural community, possible mitigation responses and measures, and processes to support the cultural community – from the large organizations to the individual artists. The WCC will continue to be proactive in advocating for health and safety while supporting the financial and operational sustainability of our creative community.

For more information on the COVID-19 virus and proper protocols, visit the City of Worcester website. You are also welcome to review the Executive Order from City Manager Augustus, and watch the March 12 COVID-19 Media Briefing.

My best,

Erin I. Williams

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