Greater Lowell Community Foundation Announces Community Artist Training Program
Arts Elevate Expands Pipeline for Artists to Engage with Local Nonprofit Organizations
Lowell, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is now accepting applications for the Arts Elevate Community 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 September 26, 2026 in Lowell, MA, 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 artists who led the pilot’s resident artist placements. Participants will learn from expert facilitators from the Teaching Artist Project and hear directly from the artists who led the pilot’s successful programs at Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Danny’s Place, Prescott Community Center, and The Umbrella Arts Center.
Selected artists receive a $250 stipend, a GLCF Community Artist Certificate, and placement in GLCF’s Community Artist directory, which is shared directly with area nonprofits seeking creative partners. Completing the training also puts artists in line for priority consideration for future grant opportunities through Arts Elevate. Beyond the training day, participants are invited to join an optional cohort of fellow Community Artists, an ongoing peer network for continued learning and gathering that keeps artists connected to one another and to new opportunities as Arts Elevate grows.
“Investing in artists as changemakers is exactly the kind of infrastructure building that strengthens our entire region,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “This training program means the impact of Arts Elevate won’t be limited— it will expand to reach every corner of our 21-community service area.”
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 additional funds to expand and support this important program.
How to Apply
Applications are due by September 4. This is a competitive process; space is limited to 15-20 participants to ensure a rich, collaborative learning experience, and selected artists will be notified by noon on September 11. The training is free, with all materials and lunch provided. For more information and to apply, visit: https://glcfoundation.info/3Rovzr9 or contact Jennifer Aradhya at jennifer@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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Photo: GLCF26_AE_training.jpg
Caption: The Arts Elevate Showcase, held in May, celebrated the program’s inaugural Embedded Community Artist pilot and a look ahead to its next chapter including launching September’s Arts Elevate Training.
