Greater Lowell Community Foundation Announces Artist Training Program
Arts Elevate Expands Pipeline for Artists to Lead Wellness-Focused Residencies
The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is now accepting applications for the Arts Elevate Artist Training Program, a comprehensive training opportunity that prepares local artists to lead embedded residencies with nonprofit organizations serving youth, veterans, and seniors across the Greater Lowell region.
The redesigned full-day training, scheduled for May 23, 2026, builds on the success of Arts Elevate’s pilot program, which has successfully placed resident artists with four nonprofit partners since fall 2025. The new training program expands access to this innovative model by creating a pipeline of prepared artists ready to partner with organizations throughout GLCF’s 21-community service area.
“When young people engage in art, they discover what they are capable of, who they are, how they belong, and how they contribute to the world around them,” said Jennifer Aradhya founder of Arts Elevate and GLCF’s VP of Marketing, Programs and Strategy. “Through Arts Elevate, we’re building the infrastructure to bring this transformative experience to communities across Greater Lowell.”
The training led by area experts covers Arts Elevate’s core CREATE-CONNECT-CATALYZE framework, evidence-based approaches to arts engagement for wellness, practical facilitation techniques, and insights from current resident artists. Participants will learn from expert facilitators from the Teaching Artist Project and hear directly from artists currently leading successful programs at Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Danny’s Place, Prescott Community Center, and The Umbrella Arts Center.
Artists interested in working with local youth serving nonprofits in a more meaningful way should apply to this program. All disciplines are encouraged to apply, including visual arts, music, dance, theater, film, spoken word, poetry, literary arts, multimedia, craft, and folk/traditional arts. Priority consideration will be given to artists who live or work in GLCF’s 21 community region and those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Arts Elevate is developed with lead funding from the Barr Foundation through its Creative Commonwealth Initiative, which supports strengthening arts and culture across Massachusetts. GLCF has committed to raising at $1 million over five years to expand and support this important program.
How to Apply
Applications are due by May 1st. Space is limited to 15-20 participants. The training is free, with all materials and lunch provided. For more information and to apply, visit: https://glcfoundation.info/3NunjE2 or contact Rita Sahu at rita@glcfoundation.org.
About Arts Elevate
Arts Elevate is GLCF’s comprehensive initiative to improve youth wellness and strengthen communities through creative engagement. The program includes embedded community artist residencies, Arts Equity Grants supporting nonprofit-artist collaborations, and professional development training for creatives. Learn more at glcfoundation.org/arts-elevate.
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation –Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 500 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of over $75 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $55 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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Caption: Students from Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell where members hosted a spoken word event at the Club, where youth were invited to perform original pieces as part of Arts Elevate.
