A Pilot in Creative Engagement

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is partnering with four youth-serving nonprofit organizations to pilot embedded artist programs designed to improve youth wellness through creative engagement. Arts Elevate pilot programs will begin in fall 2025.

Each participating organization will host an artist, providing space and support for an arts-based program focused on youth wellness. Arts Elevate will operate within a cohort model, allowing artists and nonprofits to engage in shared learning, peer support, cross-sector collaboration, and professional development. Throughout the pilot, participants will work together to develop meaningful outcome metrics and data sets that will shape the program’s design and generate shareable insights.

Spanning Strengths and Domains

By design, the nonprofit organizations partnering in the pilot program represent a mix of missions and geographic locations across the Greater Lowell region.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell

657 Middlesex Street, Lowell, MA 01851

lbgc.org

Offers afterschool and summer programs for youth ages 8–18. Programming includes education, arts and music, sports and recreation, health, wellness, nutrition, and teen leadership. The club fosters growth by helping young people explore passions, gain skills, and build confidence.

Artist in Residence:
Anthony Febo (adobo-fish-sauce.com)

Anthony is a dynamic artist combining literary arts and theater through spoken word and storytelling. In ‘23-’24 school year, he was the first ever poet in residence at Lowell High School. Transitioning out of his current role, he’s excited to invest deeply in this residency.

Danny’s Place

543 Massachusetts Ave, Acton, MA 01720

dannys-place.org

A welcoming, non-competitive space focused on helping young people discover their authentic selves. Through programs in wellness, identity, leadership, and life skills, Danny’s Place nurtures a new generation of empowered youth.

Artist in Residence:
Shoni Hallock-Martin (shoni.art)

Shoni is a multidisciplinary visual artist living just minutes from Acton. Their creative work explores identity and community, with a strong commitment to youth-focused programming.

Prescott Community Center

145 Main Street #104, Groton, MA 01450

prescottscc.org

Offers over 600 enrichment programs for all ages, including art, music, health, dance, science, and community education events. Prescott serves as a gathering space where creativity, learning, and dialogue thrive.

Artist in Residence:
Andrea Wilson (@art_by_andreawilson)

Wilson is an artist-educator residing in Groton, Mass. Her current body of mixed media work focuses on the expression of grief, loss and healing. She obtained her BFA from UMass Amherst with a concentration in architectural design and a minor in art history. She also holds a MEd from UMass Boston.

The Umbrella Arts Center

40 Stow Street, Concord, MA 01742

theumbrellaarts.org

A nonprofit arts center offering diverse programming in visual and performing arts, arts education, and community collaborations. It supports local artists and fosters cultural exchange and creativity through accessible, and high-quality arts experiences.

Artist in Residence:
Tom Flint (filmbuilding.org)

Tom is a filmmaker and visual storyteller who specializes in collaborative, community-centered film projects. With experience in education and production, he brings a thoughtful lens to youth engagement through film.

GLCF’s Arts Elevate program is being developed with lead funding from the Barr Foundation through its Creative Commonwealth Initiative.