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The New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) announces the six New England arts leaders selected for the 2024-25 National Leaders of Color Fellowship cohort.
These leaders, representing all six New England states, join others from communities across the country to participate in a transformative leadership development experience designed to establish BIPOC leadership in the creative and cultural sector. Over the next six months, participants will collaborate in six facilitator-led sessions designed to enhance their leadership skills, alongside community-building sessions that foster collaboration and support among peers.
The National Leaders of Color Fellowship, now in its third year, is curated by Creative West in partnership with NEFA and the four other U.S. Regional Arts Organizations. The online skill-building program provides fellows with access to specialists in the field, strategic learning objectives determined to deepen thought on anti-racist and culturally-oriented leadership practices, and national-level network and regional cohort building.
The six New England participants are:
- Charlotte Abotsi, Providence, RI: Constituent Engagement Coordinator, City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism
- Fabian Barracks, Worcester, MA: Cultural Development Officer and Executive Director, Worcester Cultural Coalition
- Katherine Leung, Milton, VT: Founder of Canto Cutie, Organizer of Queer Art Club and Vermont Cantonese Club;
- Athena Lynch, Portland, ME: Artist, Community Arts Organizer
- Raymond Pinto, Bridgeport, CT: Multidisciplinary Artist and Creative Researcher, Studio Ramond Pinto
- Cecilia Ulibarri, Merrimack, NH: Visual Artist and Community Advocate and Executive Director of Positive Street Art
Learn more about the New England fellows.
“This fellowship not only celebrates the achievements of these leaders but also provides the resources and networks to further their work in their communities,” said NEFA executive director Harold Steward. “NEFA is proud to partner with our RAO colleagues on this endeavor to empower and connect leaders of color across the nation.”
An expansion of Creative West’s Emerging Leaders of Color program, which has been partnering with and supporting 100+ BIPOC arts and culture leaders since 2010, the National Leaders of Color Fellowship (LoCF) and its mission have become a national endeavor with collective support and commitment from the collaborative of the six Regional Arts Organizations.
Upon completion of the program, participants transition to alumni status and have opportunities to collaborate with the RAO in their region as advisors, funding panelists, and/or other professional capacities. NEFA has established a one-time award of $1,000 for program alumni for additional support of their professional development. Learn more about all of the 2024-25 fellows.
About NEFA
The New England Foundation for the Arts invests in artists and communities and fosters equitable access to the arts, enriching the cultural landscape in New England and the nation. NEFA accomplishes this by granting funds to artists and cultural organizations; connecting them to each other and their audiences; and analyzing their economic contributions. NEFA serves as a regional partner for the National Endowment for the Arts, New England’s state arts agencies, and private foundations. Learn more at www.nefa.org.
About the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations
The United States Regional Arts Organizations (US RAOs) strengthen and support arts, culture, and creativity in their individual regions as well as across the nation. They serve the nation’s artists, arts and culture organizations, and creative communities with programs that reflect and celebrate the diversity of the field in which they work. They partner with the National Endowment for the Arts, state arts agencies, individuals, and other public and private funders to develop and deliver programs, services, and products that advance arts and creativity. Learn more at www.usregionalarts.org.
Contact: Ann Wicks | 617-423-1390