Boston. Boston. Boston.

City of Champions, home of the clam chowder and… racism?

The last few years have been explosive for the city dealing with an influx of high rising costs + a looming housing and transportation crisis. An insidious problem for the city has been an embedded perception (reality?) of isolation felt by its Brown and Black creative class.

These were the thoughts I had in mind when I e-mailed the event organizers at the Boston Center for the Arts to learn more about their upcoming Ball. As an emerging writer, finding avenues in the city where I could network + meet other creatives was increasingly difficult as many spaces simply felt closed out to people of color either through intentional exclusivity or the massive separation felt by many of us who live in one of the country’s most segregated urban areas.

To their credit, the Boston Center for the Arts’ communications team was gracious in their acknowledgement and instantly invited me to attend their highly anticipated ball. Looking further, I learned about their programming which this year included beautiful artists of color making major impact in Boston and beyond. Here, we will chat with these artists to hear their story + learn how they promote inclusivity in the Boston arts scene.

“When we started CLLCTV BOSTON in 2012, Boston was a place that was not really accessible for people that looked like us. There were few movements for people of color + they were not seen as profitable or sustainable so investment was missing.

We built everything upon community. We focused on building a diverse community, creating spaces that people could connect + foster friendships.

In nightlife, everything shouldn’t be about just making money. The true goal is about building sustainable and safe environments, that people want to come to time and time again.

Inclusivity is very important for the future of this city, and especially for under represented communities of color. We have a lot to provide in terms of culture and identity and people in power need to understand that”

To learn more about YVNG PAVL + CLLCTV.US, visit: https://www.cllctv.us/

Yara Liceaga-Rojas is a Puerto Rican writer, cultural administrator, and educator

what has been a challenge for you since settling in Cambridge, MA to pursue your art from Puerto Rico?

Making a living- this city is expensive! The environment for artists was so different in Puerto Rico; although you had little resources you did all you could to promote you art + work. Here, it feels harder- feels like there are so many obstacles especially for POC’s. Housing (for artists) is another hurdle. With three children, it becomes very complicated, very fast. I left Puerto Rico and I did not want my family to struggle here. Knowing that my island is a modern-day colony, I truly feel that America OWES me for the toll our island-state has gone through. However, life doesn’t stop so I will not stop.

I feel like a full orchestra, playing every part- keeping the rhythm, and making the music! In order to keep afloat, I still work full-time. Through my art, freelancing, and finding time for family- it is a constant juggling act.

To find out more about Yara-Liceaga Rojas and support her art, please visit: https://www.yaraliceagarojas.com/

Jean Appolon Expressions /// Haiti Summer Dance Institute. Image Credit: JEAN APPOLON EXPRESSIONS

Jean Appolon, Artistic Director of Jean Appolon Expressions

first of all, I just have to say- I am incredibly humbled by your work. thank you for bringing back your beautiful dance traditions to your home country of Haiti, and for sharing these modes of expression with all of us here in Boston. How does it feel to be doing this work?

I am grateful.

Boston presented liberation for me and my family. We escaped Haiti after my father’s killing in 1991 and never looked back. I begged my mother to allow me to take dance classes, and when I was recruited by Alvin Ailey it allowed me the freedom I never knew I could have.

It is a privilege to be an artist in Boston; however, investment in the arts community is lacking. The need for art would aid in healing our communities. Dancing even allows you to breathe better!

Artists of color deserve a chance to thrive in Boston. Once this occurs, Boston will not only be better but the art itself will held build bridges and eliminate the separation we all feel.

To learn more about Jean Appolon Expressions and support their work: visit https://jeanappolonexpressions.org/

“My work in this world is to be a resilience builder, and I believe that connection is the way to actualize that work. I care about people and what brings them joy, so whether I’m working with a student on their career plan, learning music for an artists’ album, or curating a show that provides a platform for an artist to do their thing, it’s about supporting them and their voice”

— Tim Hall, Educator, Artist + Entrepreneur of Hipstory.

To learn more about Tim Hall and support Hipstory, visit: http://hipstory.org

This post is in support of Boston Center for the Arts. Let’s find ways to amplify + elevate our work together!