The Worcester Cultural Coalition will expand equitable use of the Jean McDonough Arts Center. 

WORCESTER, MA – April 12, 2023 Thanks to funding support from the Barr Foundation, the Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) is pleased to announce the award of 8 grants totaling $85,000 for programs at the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) in 2023.

With a goal of ensuring continued equitable use of the JMAC, the JMAC Access Grant Committee reviewed 26 applications for funding. Applications were evaluated and scored on a variety of criteria, including whether the presenter had leadership from and/or programming that uplifts historically marginalized or underrepresented groups, such as the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Applicants could apply for a maximum of $10,000 in venue and rental costs and $15,000 in discretionary funds. Based on the funding requested and how the application scored, selected applicants received between $3,500 and $22,500 in total support.

“We received proposals for many excellent and intriguing programs. Some were from familiar names and some were brand-new to us!” noted Doménica Dillon, Associate Managing Director of the JMAC. “It’s gratifying to see that the events we host are resonating with the community, and that awareness of our space is growing.”

“Having served on many awarding bodies, I can say the JMAC Access Grant Committee conducted its process with rigor, integrity, care, and joy,” said Cailin Manson, Associate Professor of Practice and Director of Music Performance at Clark University, who served on the JMAC Access Grant Committee. “The awardees represent an exciting cross-section of presenters who will elevate programming at the JMAC while also serving its mission of being a home for all ilk of creatives and creations.”

The 2023 JMAC Access Grant Awardees and projects, in alphabetical order, are:

• Crocodile River Music: Mali in Massachusetts
• The Hanover Theatre Repertory (THT Rep): Experimental Staged Reading of Judith, a New Play by Katie Bender Directed by Brendon Fox
• Inner Voices Outer Change: IVOC Summer Jumpoff
• Nathan D. Manna: The Acrobatics of the Divine: An Exhibition and Symposium Responding to the Work of John O’Reilly
• studioXpresents: Let Them Eat Cake!
• Voices 21C: Bridging and Breaking: Incarceration, Community, and Empowerment
• Kristin Wagner / Bodies Moving: Fairy Tales and Folklore: Dreaming with the Body
• Worcester Writers Collective: Spring Intensive

“The Barr Foundation’s funding of JMAC’s Access Grants has made real the slogan: Our House, Your Home,” says Zach Combs, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Crocodile River Music. “Now, our organization can create in this amazing space, bringing a unique African art, music, and dance experience to our community. Thank you Barr, WCC and JMAC for this wonderful Project Sponsorship opportunity!”

The JMAC Access Grant Committee is: 

• Ellen Dunlap, Treasurer of the Worcester Cultural Coalition
• JMAC Staff:
  • Livy Scanlon, Managing Director
  • Doménica Dillon, Associate Managing Director
  • Sarah MacIntyre, Production + Operations Manager
  • Elijah Lidonde, Administrative Manager
• Cailin Manson, Associate Professor of Practice and Director of Music Performance at Clark University

The $85,000 awarded in the JMAC Access Grants is part of a $175,000 investment from the Barr Foundation. The remaining funds will also be used to continue equitable access to the JMAC, primarily by underwriting rental of the BrickBox Theater through June 2023. More information about the Project Sponsorships and a calendar of events is available at www.jmacworcester.org.

About the Worcester Cultural Coalition: The Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) is a public-private partnership established in 1999 between the City of Worcester and 12 cultural organizations. In 2022, membership exceeded 80 organizations, which host over 2.7 million visitors annually, from Worcester and beyond. Its mission is to draw on Worcester’s rich and diverse cultural assets to foster economic revitalization, support active and creative engagement for all, and to promote a strong cultural identity for Greater Worcester. The WCC supports and encourages action that meets the creative goals of the Worcester Cultural Plan: promoting cultural equity and creative community engagement for all. Learn more at WorcesterCulture.org.

About the Jean McDonough Arts Center: Comprising the ever-changing PopUp and the intimate BrickBox Theater, the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) is an initiative of the Worcester Cultural Coalition, operated in partnership with The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. The JMAC is home to myriad creative events and cultural initiatives. Individuals and groups can present or develop a wide range of work at the JMAC, including but not limited to work in theater, dance, film, music, performance art, visual art, fashion design and video game design. Completion of the JMAC was made possible with the generosity of the late Jean McDonough and the McDonough family. Funding for presenters is currently available through the Barr Foundation.  Learn more at JMACWorcester.org.

About the Barr Foundation: The Barr Foundation’s mission is to invest in human, natural, and creative potential, serving as thoughtful stewards and catalysts. Based in Boston, Barr focuses regionally, and selectively engages nationally, working in partnership with nonprofits, foundations, the public sector, and civic and business leaders to elevate the arts, advance solutions for climate change, and connect all students to success in high school and beyond. Founded in 1997, Barr now has assets close to $3 billion and has contributed more than $1 billion to charitable causes. For more information, visit barrfoundation.org and @BarrFdn on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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Part of a Barr Foundation-funded accessibility initiative, Month-long Residencies subsidize all venue costs and provide $15,000 in discretionary funding to local creatives.

WORCESTER, MA – May 13, 2022 – After announcing the Barr Foundation’s support of a year-long accessibility initiative, the Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) and Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) are pleased to announce the Month-long Residency recipients for summer 2022. 

“These remarkable presenters and their creative projects manifest the Worcester Cultural Coaltion’s goal of making the JMAC accessible to local artists and organizations who represent and serve underinvested communities, thanks to the Barr Foundation,” noted Erin Williams, Executive Director of the WCC.

Over a dozen applications were reviewed and evaluated. The selected residencies are are:

• Woo Tap by Michael Skrzek presents WORCESTER ON TAP June 13 – July 10
• Darren Cole and Missy Whiteman present THE COYOTE WAY X: EXPANDED CINEMA July 18 – August 14
• Queer the Scene presents CLUB QTS August 22 – September 17

Queer the Scene shared their enthusiasm for the opportunity: “We have been building up to an opportunity like this since our inception through our community partnerships. It is our time to showcase the vision of Queer the Scene with the support of the JMAC – one of our partners from the beginning.”

Darren Cole and Missy Whiteman, presenters of The Coyote Way X: Expanded Cinema, described their project as a, “new life that rises up through the cracks of the broken sidewalks, built on ancestral ground, deepened in cellular memory and star knowledge.”

“Facilitating the growth of organizations this diverse requires more than the type of value signaling many of these folks have sadly come to expect from outside agencies so we’re excited to be able to provide a real opportunity, with real money, and real access to our amazing JMAC facility,” said Hank von Hellion, Managing Director of the JMAC’s PopUp.

Month-Long Residencies are just one of the JMAC’s Barr Initiatives. Applications for a second round of One-Day Sponsorships are available at JMACWorcester.org/BarrOneDay and due July 15, 2022, for Fall/Winter events. Other components of the Barr accessibility initiative include rental subsidies of the BrickBox Theater for eligible presenters. Learn more at JMACWorcester.org/BarrInitiative.

About the Jean McDonough Arts Center: Comprising the ever-changing “permanent” PopUp and the intimate BrickBox Theater, the Jean McDonough Arts Center is an initiative of the Worcester Cultural Coalition, and home to myriad creative events and cultural initiatives. Individuals and groups can present or develop a wide range of work at the JMAC, including but not limited to work in theater, dance, film, music, performance art, visual art, fashion design and video game design. Learn more at JMACWorcester.org.

About the Worcester Cultural Coalition: The Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) is a public-private partnership established in 1999 between the City of Worcester and 12 cultural organizations. In 2022, membership exceeds 80 organizations, which host over 2.7 million visitors annually, from Worcester and beyond. Its mission is to draw on Worcester’s rich and diverse cultural assets to foster economic revitalization, support active and creative engagement for all, and to promote a strong cultural identity for Greater Worcester. The WCC supports and encourages action that meets the creative goals of the Worcester Cultural Plan: promoting cultural equity and creative community engagement for all. Learn more at WorcesterCulture.org.

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Part of a year-long Barr Foundation-funded accessibility initiative, One-Day Sponsorships subsidize all venue costs and provide $2,500 in discretionary funding to local creatives. 

WORCESTER, MA – March 4, 2022 – After announcing the Barr Foundation’s support of a year-long accessibility initiative, the Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) and Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) are pleased to announce the first round of One-Day Sponsorship recipients. 

Over a dozen applications were reviewed and evaluated. Round one recipients are: 

• JSDDance presents I Am: Hayti!
• Mary Darling presents 1, 5, 10: A Short Play Extravaganza
• Flamenco Worcester presents Flamenco! Tradition, Art & Passion
• Art and Music Police Partnership presents AMPP Showcase 
• Broadway in Worcester presents a Worcester Public School Masterclass with Laura Benanti

“These presenters and their exciting projects manifest the Barr initiative’s goal of making the JMAC accessible to local artists and organizations who represent and/or serve underinvested communities,” notes Erin Williams, Executive Director of the WCC.

“As a new member of the Worcester community, I hope my work can contribute to enriching the diversity in art and cultural experience,” added Jean-Sebastien Duvilaire of JSDDance, which will present I Am: Hayti!

Ashley Essex, art director of the Art and Music Police Partnership (AMPP), shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity, saying, “We’re excited to share our vision with you all, and can’t wait to collaborate to bring an amazing event to our community! We are so grateful!”

Applications for a second round of One-Day Sponsorships are available at JMACWorcester.org/BarrOneDay and due July 15, 2022, for Fall/Winter events. Other components of the Barr accessibility initiative include rental subsidy of the BrickBox Theater for eligible presenters, and month-long summer residencies. Learn more at JMACWorcester.org/BarrInitiative.

About the Jean McDonough Arts Center: Comprising the ever-changing “permanent” PopUp and the intimate BrickBox Theater, the Jean McDonough Arts Center is an initiative of the Worcester Cultural Coalition, and home to myriad creative events and cultural initiatives. Individuals and groups can present or develop a wide range of work at the JMAC, including but not limited to work in theatre, dance, film, music, performance art, visual art, fashion design and video game design. Learn more at JMACWorcester.org.

About the Worcester Cultural Coalition: The Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) is a public-private partnership established in 1999 between the City of Worcester and 12 cultural organizations. In 2022, membership exceeds 80 organizations, which host over 2.7 million visitors annually, from Worcester and beyond. Its mission is to draw on Worcester’s rich and diverse cultural assets to foster economic revitalization, support active and creative engagement for all, and to promote a strong cultural identity for Greater Worcester. The WCC supports and encourages action that meets the creative goals of the Worcester Cultural Plan: promoting cultural equity and creative community engagement for all. Learn more at WorcesterCulture.org.

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The Jean McDonough Arts Center will receive $545,000 in funding from the Barr Foundation to expand equitable use of the Worcester PopUp and BrickBox Theater. 

WORCESTER, MA – January 6, 2022 The Barr Foundation has awarded $545,000 to the Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) to support the arts community, with an emphasis on uplifting historically marginalized and underrepresented groups.

As part of its plan for the funds, the WCC is launching multiple initiatives aimed at helping individuals and organizations bring their creative visions to life. Over the next twelve months, the funding will provide three types of opportunities at the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC), an arts-and-cultural space located in Downtown Worcester: 

Rental subsidy of the BrickBox Theater:Qualifying organizations and individuals can receive venue rental costs at no charge on a first-come-first-serve basis, until funds are exhausted. 

One-day event sponsorship: Up to ten presenters will receive venue rental and staffing costs for a one-day event, and up to $2,500 for discretionary expenses, at no charge.

Month-long residency at the JMAC: Up to three presenters will be selected for a one-month residency, including all venue space rental and staffing costs, up to $15,000 in discretionary funds, and exclusive use of the JMAC for the final week of each residency, at no charge.

Applications for all three opportunities are available through JMACWorcester.org. Priority will be given to individuals and groups which identify as led by, or focused on, historically marginalized or underrepresented groups, such as BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Worcester Cultural Coalition members, which are local cultural nonprofits, are also encouraged to apply.

“The JMAC is committed to equity and inclusion of the many types of art, culture, and creativity that exist in our region, and to diversity in its presenters and audiences. It was developed to help fill a gap in affordability and accessibility in Worcester’s arts and culture scene, both for the public and the creators,” said Erin Williams, executive director of the Worcester Cultural Coalition. “Paired with the dedicated JMAC staff, these Barr funds will improve access to the JMAC and its resources, furthering the venue’s mission in meaningful ways, and helping to boost engagement and support the continued resiliency of the arts ecosystem as we continue to navigate the pandemic.”

“We believe that artists are the building blocks of our communities,” noted SueEllen Kroll, Senior Program Officer for Arts & Creativity at the Barr Foundation. “The JMAC is a critical cultural home and community space for Worcester’s BIPOC and underserved artists so that their voices, creativity, and stories are uplifted and celebrated. We are proud to partner with the Worcester Cultural Coalition to ensure artists have the support to get back to work and lead in their communities as we transition back to in-person creative experiences.”

“The JMAC team already caters to creatives without a Broadway budget,” noted Eric Butler, Chair of the Worcester Cultural Coalition Board. “Nevertheless, all the costs associated with working in a professional venue can remain a hurdle. We’re grateful to the Barr Foundation for these funds, which will further reduce these barriers by augmenting what’s already happening at the JMAC with more support for underserved creatives and local cultural organizations.”

“We hosted the El Salón collective for our pilot residency in 2021,” said PopUp Managing Director Hank von Hellion. “The experience challenged their artists to use the venue in creative ways, and challenged us to help them not only execute events, but also make the JMAC their home, a place to fully realize their creative visions.”

“We’re excited to take what we learned from that experience and build upon it this coming year,” added BrickBox Managing Director Olivia Scanlon.

“I can enthusiastically say these initiatives are a win for everyone they will touch – from the JMAC and WCC to those who will have their voices heard, from those who will hear these voices, and to all who will feel the echo,” said Butler, who has used the space as both an independent presenter and in his work with the WCLOC Theater Company.

Interested presenters are invited to a Q+A session at the JMAC on January 12, 2022 from 6:30pm – 7:30pm. In-person RSVP and link to livestream are available at BarrQA.eventbrite.com. Full details regarding COVID-19 safety protocols are available at JMACWorcester.org/covid19.

Additional details about the JMAC/Barr accessibility initiative, including eligibility requirements and application forms, are available at JMACWorcester.org/BarrInitiative.

About the Worcester Cultural Coalition: The Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) is a public-private partnership established in 1999 between the City of Worcester and 12 cultural organizations. In 2021, membership stands at 80 organizations, which host over 2.7 million visitors annually, from Worcester and beyond. Its mission is to draw on Worcester’s rich and diverse cultural assets to foster economic revitalization, support active and creative engagement for all, and to promote a strong cultural identity for Greater Worcester. The WCC supports and encourages action that meets the creative goals of the Worcester Cultural Plan: promoting cultural equity and creative community engagement for all. Learn more at WorcesterCulture.org.

About the Jean McDonough Arts Center: Comprising the ever-changing “permanent” PopUp and the intimate BrickBox Theater, the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) is an initiative of the Worcester Cultural Coalition, operated in partnership with The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts. The JMAC is home to myriad creative events and cultural initiatives. Individuals and groups can present or develop a wide range of work at the JMAC, including but not limited to work in theater dance, film, music, performance art, visual art, fashion design and video game design. Completion of the JMAC was made possible with the generosity of the late Jean McDonough and the McDonough family. Learn more at JMACWorcester.org.

About the Barr Foundation: The Barr Foundation’s mission is to invest in human, natural, and creative potential, serving as thoughtful stewards and catalysts. Based in Boston, Barr focuses regionally, and selectively engages nationally, working in partnership with nonprofits, foundations, the public sector, and civic and business leaders to elevate the arts, advance solutions for climate change, and connect all students to success in high school and beyond. Founded in 1997, Barr now has assets in excess of $3 billion, and has contributed more than $1 billion to charitable causes. For more information, visit barrfoundation.org and @BarrFdn on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

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WORCESTER, MA – March 23, 2021 – In the Worcester Cultural Coalition’s ongoing work to support a walkable downtown filled with local art, Worcester Windows announces its next public phase: PULP. After a series of COVID-conscious opening nights at the Worcester PopUp, PULP has been restaged in storefronts throughout downtown Worcester. The storefront window iteration, in collaboration with local business, will remain in place until the end of summer 2021.

PULP represents a new phase of Worcester Windows in its embrace of non-traditional definitions of art. The work on display represents Worcester’s vibrant community of alternative artists: indie comic and zine creators, tattoo artists, graffiti writers, and fashion designers. “This exhibition of incredibly talented local work collectively demonstrates themes of community and revolution through subversive mediums; themes that have been on nationwide display recently,” said Hank von Hellion, Managing Director of the Worcester PopUp and the Worcester Windows program.

Von Hellion says PULP is unique in that it is, “the first Worcester Windows exhibit to provide prize money to artists whose work was deemed ‘Best of Show’ by a panel of JMAC staff and members of the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District.”

“The Downtown Worcester BID is thrilled to support the Worcester Cultural Coalition and the Worcester PopUp in the Worcester Windows PULP exhibition,” said Evelyn Darling, executive Director of the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District (BID). “By showcasing local artists’ work in Downtown windows, this exhibit helps them gain more exposure and enlivens our sidewalks.”

The Downtown Worcester BID provided $1,000 in prize money for PULP. The top three prizes were awarded to artists Naama Commander, Aqua Carter, and Luca Colizzi. Honorable mentions were given to artists Chris King and Ted Lilley. For a full list of artists and locations of Worcester Windows displays, click here.

The Worcester PopUp at the Jean McDonough Arts Center, or JMAC, is a unique creative and local incubator space that operates under the JMAC umbrella. Alongside its sister space, the BrickBox, it is a community-minded multi-space venue directed by a team dedicated to cultivating diverse creative engagement and access for all.

About Worcester Windows: Worcester Windows is a program of the Worcester Cultural Coalition. It is currently managed by the staff of the Worcester PopUp. If you own a storefront and would like to participate in this program, contact the PopUp at popup@jmacworcester.org.

About the Jean McDonough Arts Center: Comprised of the ever-changing “permanent” PopUp and the intimate BrickBox Theater, the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) is an initiative of the Worcester Cultural Coalition, and home to myriad creative events and cultural initiatives. Individuals and groups can present or develop a wide range of work at the JMAC, including but not limited to work in theatre, dance, film, music, performance art, visual art, fashion design and video game design. Learn more at JMACWorcester.org.

About the Worcester Cultural Coalition: The Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) is a public-private partnership established in 1999 between the City of Worcester and twelve cultural organizations. Today membership stands at 80 organizations, accounting for more than 2.7 million visitors to Worcester in calendar 2015, up from 1.5 million in 2006. Its mission is to draw on Worcester’s rich and diverse cultural assets to foster economic revitalization, support active, creative engagement for all and promote a strong cultural identity for Greater Worcester. Learn more at WorcesterCulture.org.

About the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District: Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District is a nonprofit organization established in 2018 to sustain momentum in the heart of Downtown Worcester. The result of a comprehensive community-based effort, the organization represents the owners of 140 properties and seeks to create a unique sense of place through enhanced investment and development, establishing and sustaining a vibrant, welcoming, and economically viable district for all. Learn more at DowntownWorcester.org.

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Now Hiring: Mentee & Intern Opportunities at the Worcester PopUp & BrickBox Theatre

The Worcester PopUp is a “permanent popup” space offering a place for local artists, organizations, and creatives to develop a variety of events ranging from art shows and open mics to yoga classes, lessons in drag, and more. Thanks to its funders, use of the PopUp is fully subsidized, and events are offered free and open to the public.

The Worcester BrickBox is an upcoming part of downtown Worcester’s growing theatre district and exciting renaissance. In this flexible performance space, professional artists will share their music, dance, films, plays, installations, cabarets, and more with audiences of up to 299 people. The BrickBox is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, three dressing rooms, a green room, wardrobe facilities, and a rehearsal hall.

The Worcester PopUp and the Worcester BrickBox Theater are programs of the Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC), a public-private partnership between the City of Worcester and over 70 local cultural organizations. With the shared goal of creative engagement for all, together the PopUp and the BrickBox form the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC). #artsforall

The JMAC is seeking qualified candidates to assist in operations, and to grow with the JMAC family of creative spaces. Duties of both the JMAC Intern and the JMAC Mentee will range from administration and customer service to marketing, event staffing, and more as assigned.

To apply, please send your resume and a letter of interest to PopUp@JMACWorcester.org with the subject line “JMAC Application 2020.” Applicants will be considered until the roles are filled.

JMAC Mentorship Program

The JMAC mentorship is a stipend position supporting both the PopUp and the BrickBox Theater. The ideal candidate is a Worcester resident, passionate about creative place making, comfortable engaging with the public, collaborative, and have an exception attention to detail and sense of humor.

The Mentee will report to the PopUp Managing Director. Candidates must commit to at least 32 hours per week – including evenings and weekends as needed.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate site preparation, planning, and production with PopUp & BrickBox management
• Lead JMAC facility tours
• Serve as a JMAC brand ambassador while in the space, as well as for events and community meetings
• Maintain a friendly, welcoming attitude in person, on the phone, and in writing
• Administrative functions, including answering phones, scheduling appointments, and data tracking
• Staffing and supervision of events (evenings and weekends as needed), including responsibility for security of the space
• Create content for the JMAC’s website, social media, and newsletters
• Assist in development of promotional work plan
• Seek out new event applicants
• Preparation of applications for review by JMAC management
• Track space attendance and usage
• Light facility maintenance
• Coordinate with JMAC intern and WCC staff as appropriate

Compensation

• $15 per hour for a total of 32 hours, paid bi-weekly.
• Mentee is required to track and submit working hours and activities bi-weekly

JMAC Internship Program

The JMAC internship is a for-credit position supporting both the PopUp and the BrickBox Theater. The ideal candidate is a Worcester resident, passionate about creative place making, comfortable engaging with the public, collaborative, and have an exception attention to detail and sense of humor.

The Intern will report to the PopUp Managing Director. Candidates must commit to at least 20 hours per week – including evenings and weekends as needed.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as a JMAC brand ambassador while in the space, as well as for events and community meetings
• Maintain a friendly, welcoming attitude in person, on the phone, and in writing
• Administrative functions, including answering phones, scheduling appointments, data tracking, and spreadsheet management
• Track space attendance and usage
• Staffing and supervision of events (evenings and weekends as needed), including responsibility for security of the space
• Create content for the JMAC’s website, social media, and newsletters
• Light facility maintenance
• Coordinate with JMAC mentee and WCC staff as appropriate

Compensation

• This position is for college credit
• Intern is required to track and submit working hours and activities bi-weekly

To apply, please send your resume and a letter of interest to PopUp@JMACWorcester.org with the subject line “JMAC Application 2020.” Applicants will be considered until the roles are filled.

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EXHIBITION OPENS IN MASSACHUSETTS FOCUSED ON THE OLDEST CARNIVAL OF THE AMERICAS

Guardians of Traditions & Cojuelos’ Productions Announce Exhibition Opening & Programming for “Dominican Carnival: A Colorful Tale of Satire and World Heritage”

Vanessa Joga of Guardians of Traditions and Rosario Ubiera-Minaya, founder and principal of Cojuelos’ Productions, bring to the local public the work of famed Dominican photographer Arismendy Ferreras, winner of Best Carnival Photo in Dominican Republic, as well as images captured by Troy B. Thompson, founder of the No Evil Project, as part of a curated experience about the history of Dominican carnival.

The exhibition will feature a curated collection of color printed photographs and carnival costumes presented in sequence to take the audience through a journey of the vibrancy of the Dominican carnival.

“It brings us so much pride and honor to have the opportunity to present aspects of the history and culture of the Dominican Republic and to educate others about our rich roots and traditions, especially our younger generations,” says Joga.

Dominicans in Massachusetts account for the fourth largest Dominican population in the country, behind New York, New Jersey, and Florida. Considered the oldest carnival in the Americas, with historical sources dating as far back as 1510 and 1700, the Dominican carnival represents the cultural history of the island of Hispaniola and the Dominican people.

Festivals that marked the start of Lent were a European tradition that made their way to the Americas in the sixteenth century and transitioned into the carnivals we know of today. The Dominican Republic’s carnival is held on the 27th of February. Carnival is held in other parts of the Caribbean and Latin America in either February or March in the days leading up to the start of Lent. The timing of the declaration of independence was then a good fit with that of carnival.

“Its celebrations, costumes, traditions, dances and folklore define the Dominican Republic’s remarkable ability to combine and integrate all the different immigrant groups that make up its population, with each element providing a now-integral part of a culture that (due to its immigration to the East Coast of the United States) plays a very significant role in the general culture of the Latino community around the country,” says renowned Dominican writer and archeologist Leonardo Nin, a guest expert invited to contribute to the programming.

The programming will include a panel presentation about the history, evolution, and influences of the Dominican carnival by experts Joga and Nin and a live performance of carnival characters. All programming is free and open to the public and is suitable for families and children. This event is a collaboration between Guardians of Traditions and Cojuelos’ Productions with support from the Worcester Pop-Up, the City of Worcester, and the Worcester Cultural Coalition.

About Cojuelos’ Productions: Cojuelos’ Productions proudly celebrates all artistic expression through creative, innovative, diverse, and culturally oriented programming. It is a social enterprise that thrives on creating curated experiences for private, corporate, and community settings with an  emphasis on cultural & educational programming. In addition, it offers consulting services for effective community engagement, cultural awareness, and audience development strategies and uses arts and culture as tools for engagement. Cojuelos’ Productions specifically focus on creating a platform for elevating under-represented cultures and communities of color. It develops opportunities for showcasing art, passion, and creativity and contributes to the professional and creative growth of creatives and their communities.

About Guardians of Traditions: Guardians of Traditions creates entertaining and culturally relevant events that reflect the region’s diversity and engages the youth from underserved communities. The Carnival costumes displayed as part of the exhibit are from Guardians of Traditions’ private collection.

Worcester Windows: Worcester Windows is a community gallery program that uses storefronts throughout downtown Worcester as exhibit space to enhance the City’s downtown area and to provide opportunities for local emerging and established artists.

Worcester PopUp: The Worcester PopUp is a collaboration between the City of Worcester, the Worcester Cultural Coalition, the Hanover Theater, and the Worcester Business Development Corp., in partnership with The Barr Foundation. This “permanent popup” space offers a place for local artists, organizations, and creatives to create, display, and develop a variety of creative-based events ranging from art shows, open mics, music performances, and more.

Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC): The Worcester Cultural Coalition is a public-private partnership established in 1999 between the City of Worcester and local cultural organizations. Its mission is to draw on Worcester’s rich and diverse cultural assets in order to foster economic revitalization, support active, creative engagement for all, and promote a strong cultural identity for Greater Worcester.

“Dominican Carnival: A Colorful Tale of Satire and World Heritage”
Exhibition Schedule

All programming is free and open to the public.

Now on view until March 10, 2020 at the following locations, in conjunction with Worcester Windows:

• Worcester City Hall: The most important characters of carnival, as per historic meaning, that go from colonial, religious syncretism, and immigration, many of which have been named Intangible World Heritage by UNESCO.
• Hanover Theater: A fantasy Lechon (piglet) costume from the renowned Dominican carnival group Los Guazones (The Jokers), a colonial character that used to be called the Gatekeeper, as they used to open the parade and with the crack of their whip and keep the crowd away from their masters. This character is from the province Santiago De Los Caballeros, a former Spanish colony, located in the northern part of the Dominican Republic.
• Bay State Savings Bank (Franklin Street): Pepinero Lechon from the renowned carnival group Los Guazones (The Jokers). Unlike the fantasy Lechon, this one has smooth horns and is from the borough of Los Pepinos, which gives name to the costume, as it represents this area located in Santiago.
• WICN Public Radio (Portland Street): Carnival photograph and exhibit description.

Upcoming Events

• February 25 | Exhibition Opening at the Worcester PopUp: Curated exhibit of photos and carnival costumes featuring photographs by artists Arismendy Ferreras, Dominican Photographer, and Troy B. Thompson, founder of the No Evil Project. Carnival Costumes are from the Guardians of  Traditions’ private collection. Opens on February 25 and runs until March 10th at the Worcester Pop-Up (20 Franklin St, 1st Floor, Worcester, MA).
• February 29 | Opening Reception at the Worcester PopUp: Includes a children’s art-making activity (1:30-2:30 PM), a panel on the history of Dominican Carnival (3-4 PM), a performance with carnival characters (4:30-5 PM), and an opening reception celebration with appetizers and signature cocktails (5-6 PM).

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What: The Worcester PopUp is seeking submissions for the next Worcester Windows Exhibit. “Clothing, Culture, Armor!” will showcase the clothing that defines you and the communities you identify with, whether born or chosen. The clothing and costumes we choose to wear relate directly to the aspects of ourselves we hope to either showcase or protect. What do you value? How does that present in the clothing you wear? We want to hear the stories of your clothing, culture, and armor. Let’s bring people together through the art of personal expression.

How: For consideration please email info@worcesterpopup.org  with “Worcester Windows, Clothing, Culture, Armor” in the subject line. Include a separate JPG for up to 3 pieces along with a brief one paragraph statement describing what they mean to you and your sense of personal/cultural identity. If included, you’ll have the opportunity to expand on your artist statement.

When: Open call period will extend to November 23rd, artwork will be collected after the submission period closes. Exhibition period is December 2019 to January 2020.

Where: Items will be on display on several levels of City Hall, The Worcester PopUp at the JMAC, and in the street side windows of several theater district businesses.

Send Submissions to: info@worcesterpopup.org

For inquiries:

Hank von Hellion

Worcester PopUp at the JMAC

Managing Director

(508)-304-8188

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