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Alexandria, VA – NAS is delighted to announce the 20 fellows participating in the 2023-2024 cohort of its Creative Community Fellows: New England program. Made possible by the generous support of the Barr Foundation, this program is designed to empower, support, and connect visionary cultural leaders driving transformative change within their New England communities. Over the next eight months, fellows will engage in a tailored journey comprising both online and in-person activities that will support their dreams of creating positive change through the power of arts and culture.
Each fellow brings a distinct project to the program in addition to their diverse background, experiences, and expertise. Projects include a mobile community resource center in rural and low-income neighborhoods in Maine, food education programs in Connecticut embracing the transformative power of food literacy to shape a more just and sustainable food system, a safe and affirming community for high school-age LGBTQ+ youth to explore and express their identities through fashion design in Massachusetts, and so many more. Together, fellows will enrich each other’s work through vibrant networking opportunities and the creation of a supportive community of practice.
“As we navigate a rapidly changing world, it is imperative to invest in the creative potential of our communities. Creative Community Fellows: New England supports talented individuals whose work reinforces the pivotal role that arts and culture play in fostering social cohesion, individual well-being, and environmental awareness,” said Sunny Widmann, Vice President of Programs & Partnerships at NAS. “We are proud to collaborate with the Barr Foundation in a deep commitment to a region renowned for its rich cultural heritage, lively communities, and an unwavering desire to enact positive change.”
Launched in 2018, Creative Community Fellows: New England offers an incredibly personalized experience for its participants. Fellows will engage in online mini-retreats and community gatherings to forge strong connections, as well as in-person retreats dedicated to concentration, creativity, and collaboration. They will also benefit from individual and group coaching sessions with NAS Coaches to maximize their leadership potential. Fellows will also gain access to a stipend of up to $10,000 to offset the costs of program participation. Upon completing Creative Community Fellows: New England, the fellows will join the robust international network of NAS program alumni, providing ongoing opportunities for knowledge exchange and potential collaborations.
NAS congratulates the following individuals, selected for their exceptional projects that positively impact New England communities. Learn more about Creative Community Fellows: New England at www.artstrategies.org/fellows.
2023-2024 Creative Community Fellows: New England
Carolina Aragon | Florence, MA
Juanita Austin | New Haven, CT
Xochi Cartland | Auburn, ME
Jannelle Codianni | Providence, RI
Josh Croke | Worcester, MA
Emilia Dahlin | Gorham, ME
Pampi Das | Simsbury, CT
René Goddess | Portland, ME
Ozzy Gold-Shapiro | Northampton, MA
Jeff Kasper | Northampton, MA
Katherine Leung | Milton, VT
Amyas McKnight | Boston, MA
Christy Mihaly | East Calais, VT
Nadine Nelson | Hamden, CT
Randall Nielsen | Manchester, NH
Dani Robbins | Bar Harbor, ME
Merrilee Schoen | Bangor, ME
Ellen Smith Ahern | Lebanon, NH
Jess Sweeney | North Adams, MA
Dan Wenger | Camden, ME
