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Acting executive director reports grant activity, new hires and programs including $4.9M housing-arts grant collaboration
Summary
Acting Executive Director David Slatery reported recent grant celebrations statewide, more than 200 YouthReach applications under review, an EOHLC $4.9 million housing-arts grant program (awards $80,000–$490,000), the MITx course launch (March 30), and two staff hires; several conferences and a STEAM subcommittee were also announced.
Acting Executive Director David Slatery told the Executive Committee on April 14 that staff have been busy across multiple programs and partnerships. He noted recent grant celebrations in Marblehead, New Bedford and Holyoke and a Card to Culture event at the Boston Children's Museum, and thanked staff and Council members who participated in outreach events.
Slatery said the Agency is working with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) on a new $4.9 million program to integrate arts and culture into Local Housing Authorities; a Notice of Funding Availability has been issued with individual grant awards expected to range from $80,000 to $490,000. He reported that more than 200 applications had been received for YouthReach and that advisory recommendations for the Cultural Facilities Fund were expected to be forwarded to the MassDevelopment Board in mid-May following advisory committee review.
Slatery also highlighted the launch of an MITx arts and entrepreneurship course that went live March 30 and said the Agency expects to follow up with updated enrollment figures. He described participation in the Governor's Travel and Tourism Conference and a recent UMass Amherst conference on arts and health that included MA Commissioner of Public Health Robbie Goldstein.
On staffing, Slatery said the Agency hired two full-time staff members—Kortney Adams (Arts and Youth team) and Lauren Bjella (Communities Initiative)—to fill existing positions. He said a STEAM subcommittee, building on the Agency's statutory role on a STEM committee, is expected to hold its first meeting in June.
Looking ahead, the Agency will partner on a MassHousing property managers conference in Norwood on June 16, where Slatery said the Agency will provide content and expects 300–400 attendees. He closed by thanking staff and expressing enthusiasm for continued collaboration.
Next steps: Staff will continue to review YouthReach applications and prepare Cultural Facilities Fund recommendations for mid-May consideration by MassDevelopment.
