National Arts Strategies (NAS) would like to thank the Barr Foundation for their $300,000 grant to support the development of a Creative Community Fellows program for New England that will be piloted in 2018.
Launched in 2014, Creative Community Fellows is designed to support creative individuals working as change agents in their communities. Fellows use arts and culture as vehicles to drive physical and social transformations. Over eight-months, Fellows gain access to tools, training and a community of support that helps to fuel their visions for community change and action.
“Arts and creativity can play a vital role in engaging communities to spark positive change. It’s our privilege to partner with National Arts Strategies to network and support the development of New England change agents who are artists and emerging leaders from other sectors,” said San San Wong, Director of Arts & Creativity at the Barr Foundation.
For the past two cohorts, NAS had the opportunity to establish geo-clusters of Fellows from the same city or region with the goal of increasing collaboration amongst Fellows and encouraging more opportunities for interaction between Fellows who share geographic proximity. The clusters are working. This is why NAS is thrilled to expand this work through the dedication of a cohort entirely from New England, thereby developing regional, place-based cross-sector networks for change. Thanks to the generous support of the Barr Foundation, 25 New England Fellows will receive customized learning on strategy, design thinking and leadership as well as mentorship and one-on-one coaching opportunities.
“This program gave me tools that I needed to amplify my work. Most importantly, it reminded me that I am part of a community, one that believes in the power of creativity as a catalyst for meaningful change. I am excited to learn that this program will be deepening its commitment to the region, investing in more arts leaders across New England,” says Kristina Newman-Scott, Director of Culture for the State of Connecticut and an alumna of the inaugural cohort of Fellows.
NAS is eagerly anticipating the creation of this hub of cultural entrepreneurs throughout the region. Applications will open in the spring of 2018. To learn more about the program visit www.artstrategies.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. With assets of $1.7 billion, Barr is among the largest private foundations in New England and has contributed more than $834 million to charitable causes since 1999. For more information, visit barrfoundation.org or follow @BarrFdn.
