The Barr Foundation has awarded $545,000 to the Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC) to support the arts community, with an emphasis on uplifting historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. In particular, the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) will receive funding to expand equitable use and access.
The Barr Foundation, based in Boston, has had a long-term commitment to supporting the arts. The JMAC is an initiative of the Worcester Cultural Coalition, a public-private partnership between the city of Worcester and currently 80 cultural organizations. “We are proud to partner with the Worcester Cultural Coalition to ensure artists have the support to get back to work and lead in their communities as we transition back to in-person creative experiences,” said Kroll in the announcement.
“We believe that artists are the building blocks of our communities,” said SueEllen Kroll, Senior Program Officer for Arts & Creativity at the Barr Foundation. “The JMAC is a critical cultural home and community space for Worcester’s BIPOC and underserved artists so that their voices, creativity, and stories are uplifted and celebrated. We are proud to partner with the Worcester Cultural Coalition to ensure artists have the support to get back to work and lead in their communities as we transition back to in-person creative experiences.”.