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.
