The University of Massachusetts Amherst
Director, Creative Economy. 2007-Present
The Creative Economy
The Western Massachusetts creative economy makes a significant contribution to local and regional economic prosperity. UMass Amherst’s Director of Creative Economy develops new activities and initiates programs that contribute to this powerful economic engine. Characterized by highly collaborative partnerships in the region, these programs promote economic development, engage multiple diverse communities, and position UMass Amherst as a catalytic participant in the regional economic development environment and an effective facilitator for innovative creative activity.
PROGRAMS
Greater Springfield-UMass Amherst Partnership, 2008-Present
The Greater Springfield-UMass Amherst Partnership (SUMAP) promotes collaboration between the campus and the city in support of a revitalized Springfield economy. The Partnership positions the city as a center for environmentally beneficial green industries. It boosts Springfield’s arts and creative economy and expands relevant university teaching, outreach, and engagement activities.
Responsibilities: To focus on downtown Springfield; economic development and arts & culture, with the specific charge to create a UMass Amherst footprint in downtown by building partnerships between the university academic departments and the City of Springfield.
Accomplishments:
- Renovated the oldest commercial building in Springfield into the UMass Amherst Design Center in downtown Springfield. Renovated four apartments in the building into market-rate housing to support the work of the Design Center.
- Established the UMass Amherst Art Gallery in One Financial Plaza, across from the Design Center.
- Planned and implemented Springfield’s first public art project, Art & Soles, bringing twenty, 6-foot fiberglass sneakers, decorated by local artists, to downtown.
- Renovated a vacant downtown storefront into the Art & Soles Open Studio where artists created their sneakers.
- Renovated a downtown commercial space into the Art & Soles Gallery, displaying the sneakers for the winter season.
Projects in Development:
- Renovation of Springfield’s Old First Church into a cultural center.
- Development of the Springfield Artists Co-op, a gallery and commercial space run by local artists.
- Planning is underway for the Art & Soles Gala and Auction which will generate upwards of $70,000 in revenue for the new Art & Soles Public Art Fund at the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
Sankofa Dance Project 2007-2010
The Sankofa Dance Project (SDP) was a three year project celebrating African Roots in American Dance through intensive summer study and choreographic residencies at UMass Amherst accompanied by performances and events celebrating through dance the diversity of the world in which we live.
Responsibilities: Developing and implementing strategic plan for the project. Creating and managing the recruiting plan. Managing all high-profile talent. Developing and managing budgets. Managing day-to-day operations of the summer camps and all performances and events.
Accomplishments: Planned, recruited and managed two summer dance intensives with participants from around the country and international talent. Produced six dance concerts/events with local and international talent. Coordinated and managed two dance residencies at UMass Amherst.
Final Sankofa Dance Project report available upon request
Sankofa Youth Reach, 2008-2010
Sankofa Youth Reach (SYR) received funding for two years to teach dance in the Springfield Public School System, creating performance opportunities and bringing students to UMass Amherst for events and activities, engaging with artists, faculty and students. Sankofa Youth Reach also provided tuition and housing scholarships for the 2008 and 2009 Sankofa Dance Project Summer Dance Intensives on the UMass Amherst Campus.
Responsibilities: Developing the mission for the program. Creating and managing the budget. Responsible for all coordination and the developing and managing of all partnerships.
Accomplishments: Engaged over 1600 Springfield public school students in dance classes, events and activities. Raised $35,000 in scholarship money for Springfield youth to attend for the 2008 and 2009 Sankofa Dance Project Summer Dance Intensives on the UMass Amherst Campus.
Final Sankofa Youth Reach report available upon request
