FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17, 2013
Media Contacts:
Lisa Malo, Marketing & Communications Manager
Downtown Worcester BID
Linnea Sheldon, Community Relations & Communications Manager
Worcester Public Library
This workshop is being facilitated by local arts non-profit Creative Hub Worcester. Participants will be guided through creative exercises to uncover what “belonging” means to them. The session at the library is one of several workshops with various community organizations and groups taking place this spring and summer, including BAMSI’s New Start Brain Injury Community Center, Southeast Asian Coalition, and others. The ideas that emerge from all workshops will then be transformed into a large-scale art installation by artist Sharinna Travieso featuring the library’s tagline “You Belong Here!” The final artwork will later be fabricated and installed on the Salem Street façade of the Main Library.
"We're thrilled to partner with Creative Hub Worcester to facilitate this hands-on creative workshop at the Worcester Public Library," said Jason Homer, Executive Director of the Worcester Public Library. "We invite all members of our community to come together, explore what it means to belong, and share their ideas for the new 'You Belong Here!' artwork.”
Laura Marotta, Executive Director of Creative Hub Worcester, added, "The theme of 'belonging' is an exciting and intricate concept to explore with our community members. We're happy to be collaborating with the Downtown Worcester BID, Worcester Public Library and Foundation on this project, and to help members of the Worcester community uncover deeper truths about belonging and connection through our role as facilitators of these workshops in this collaborative effort. Sharinna Travieso is an incredible artist who will treat the theme and the community input gathered from these workshops with thought and care. We know she will produce a vibrant and multifaceted piece that we all are so excited to see come to life.”
Evelyn Darling, Executive Director of the Downtown Worcester BID, said, "We believe that the arts can help bring people together and strengthen our community. The final 'You Belong Here!' art installation will be a powerful symbol of belonging, co-created by and for our community, right in the heart of our Downtown on Salem Street.”
The community brainstorm session at WPL is free and open to the public. Free refreshments will be provided on a first come, first served basis.
"We hope that members of our community will come out to share their ideas and help us create artwork that reflects the diversity and strength of Worcester," said Christine Murray, Executive Director of the Worcester Public Library Foundation.”
Funding for the “You Belong Here!” project has been provided by the Commonwealth Places Program created by MassDevelopment.