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Greater Roxbury Arts & Cultural Center
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    • ABOUT US
    • PROGRAMMING
    • PORTFOLIO
    • FUTURE HOME
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    • ARTIST HOUSING
    • LEADERSHIP
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    • …  
      • HOME
      • ABOUT US
      • PROGRAMMING
      • PORTFOLIO
      • FUTURE HOME
      • RESIDENT COMPANIES
      • VISITING COMPANIES
      • ARTIST HOUSING
      • LEADERSHIP
      • BOARD
      • ADVISORS
      • NEWS
      • GET INVOLVED
      • CONTACT
    Greater Roxbury Arts & Cultural Center
      SUBSCRIBE
      • HOME
      • ABOUT US
      • PROGRAMMING
      • PORTFOLIO
      • FUTURE HOME
      • RESIDENT COMPANIES
      • VISITING COMPANIES
      • ARTIST HOUSING
      • LEADERSHIP
      • BOARD
      • ADVISORS
      • NEWS
      • GET INVOLVED
      • CONTACT
      • …  
        • HOME
        • ABOUT US
        • PROGRAMMING
        • PORTFOLIO
        • FUTURE HOME
        • RESIDENT COMPANIES
        • VISITING COMPANIES
        • ARTIST HOUSING
        • LEADERSHIP
        • BOARD
        • ADVISORS
        • NEWS
        • GET INVOLVED
        • CONTACT
      Greater Roxbury Arts & Cultural Center
      • About Us

        Who We Are and What We Stand For

        Welcome to the official website of the Greater Roxbury Arts & Cultural Center Inc. (GRACC), a groundbreaking initiative set to redefine the Afrodiasporic arts and cultural landscape in Boston, MA.

        Mission

        To support and present innovative performing arts, cinema, visual art, and humanities that honor the cultural roots and diverse talent emergent from the African diaspora while promoting social justice and economic development in the Nubian Square neighborhood of Boston.

        Vision

        To become a destination where patrons, partners, and performers can find meaningful connections through the arts, and to be a leader in celebrating the beauty and richness of Black and Latinx culture in Boston.

        Values

        • Community: We believe in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where all members of the community can come together and celebrate diverse cultures through the arts.
        • Creativity: We value and encourage artistic innovation and experimentation as a means of advancing cultural expression and understanding.
        • Social Justice: We are committed to promoting social justice through our programming and supporting the communities we serve.
        • Economic Development: We strive to foster economic development and growth through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, and by providing employment opportunities that bolster the creative economy.
        • Education: We believe in the transformative power of the arts and are committed to providing educational opportunities for youth and adults to engage with and appreciate diverse cultural expressions.
      • Programming

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        The Greater Roxbury Arts & Cultural Center is already making an impact ahead of our future home's completion. By engaging in artist residencies, forging innovative educational partnerships, and fostering inclusive community engagement, GRACC actively champions the arts, diversity, and inclusion. Our dedication extends beyond cultural enrichment, embedding social justice and economic development into the fabric of our initiatives. Committed to uplifting Boston's Black and Latinx communities, we're creating meaningful experiences today that reflect our future ambitions. Click here to fill out our form if you'd like to partner with us.

         

        [Photo from GRACC-curated artist residencies at Harvard's 2023 Black Policy Conference. From left, artist Daniel Callahan, GRACC CEO Taneshia Nash Laird, and artist Eyevan in front of their work, as well as work by artists Mar and Merlo Philiossaint.]

        Programming Services

        Artist Residencies and Installations:
        We are creating artist residencies that bridge the gap between the arts community and corporate or academic worlds. Our services include curating installations for corporations, conferences, and public forums that foster creative dialogue and showcase the diversity of artistic talent. These residencies are designed to inspire innovation, enhance cultural awareness, and facilitate meaningful collaborations between artists and diverse sectors.
        Partnerships for Creative Community Engagement:
        We are committed to forming strategic partnerships with educational and community organizations to promote creative engagement and expand access to arts and culture. Through these collaborations, we develop programming that empowers individuals, strengthens community bonds, and celebrates cultural diversity.
        Cultural and Historical Keynote Presentations:
        Our organization offers expert keynote presentations that highlight the significant contributions of Afrodiasporic communities to the arts and culture on a local and national scale. With a special focus on Black Bostonians, we provide insightful talks on their impact across various artistic disciplines, celebrating their achievements and exploring their influence on American culture and beyond.
      • Portfolio

        Roxbury Main Streets Arts & Culture Committee :
        Established by the Roxbury Main Streets in partnership with the Greater Roxbury Arts & Cultural Center, this committee drives community revitalization by integrating arts, culture, and economic development, showcasing local businesses, public art projects, and cultural events that enrich the Roxbury area. 
        Artist Residencies at Harvard's Black Policy Conference:
        Facilitated the integration of the arts into the policy dialogue at Harvard's Black Policy Conference through visual artist residencies, enhancing the forum's engagement with sustainable solutions for the Black community.
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        Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles:

        As a member of the national advisory committee for the exhibit, GRACC's CEO Taneshia Nash Laird played a critical role in shaping the 5,000-square-foot exhibition, providing recommendations that highlighted the rich diversity of hip-hop culture. Her efforts also ensured the inclusion of Boston rappers in the exhibit's "Shout Out Map," which showcases 14 hip-hop scenes across the United States and highlights the city's contribution to the genre. The exhibit runs from October 7, 2023 through Sept. 4, 2024.

        "Voices of Heritage: Poetry and Cultural Expression in Descendant Communities"
        GRACC has partnered with Poetry in America, a TV series and educational initiative that brings poetry into classrooms and living rooms around the world, to launch "Voices of Heritage: Poetry and Cultural Expression in Descendant Communities", a teacher training program that equips educators to engage with and teach the works of Black artists, emphasizing cultural heritage celebration. This program prepares teachers to integrate culturally rich poetry and arts into their curriculum, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of diverse narratives in education.
        Boston's Black History Month Keynote Address

        In February 2024, GRACC's CEO Taneshia Nash Laird delivered a compelling Black History Month address at Boston City Hall, amplifying the historic and ongoing contributions of Black Bostonians to the arts and culture nationally. The speech underscored GRACC's commitment to celebrating and advocating for the representation of Black and Latinx communities in the cultural narrative of Boston and beyond. [Click here to read the speech]

        Volunteer Opportunities

        Be part of a movement that champions diversity, fosters community, and shapes the future of arts, education, and the creative economy. Whether your involvement is behind the scenes or front and center, it brings our mission to life.

        Attend an Art & Soul Session: Discover GRACC

        These virtual gatherings are designed to introduce prospective volunteers and community members to the Greater Roxbury Arts & Cultural Center, spotlighting our mission, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities.

        Register for the Next Art & Soul Session
      • Future Home

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        GRACC's future home is under development in the Nubian Square commercial district of Roxbury, and we are poised to be New England’s first state-of-the-art visual and performing arts center led by Black founders. Our 34,000-square-foot facility is designed to be more than just a building; it's a beacon of cultural expression, historical recognition, and community engagement. Inspired by both local influences and the rich history of Nubia, GRACC is envisioned to encompass a diverse array of spaces, including a two-level main stage proscenium theater, a flexible black box theater, a rehearsal space, and two first-floor art galleries.

        [Rendering by Studio Enée, GRACC's architect of record.]

      • Resident Companies

        These are the companies that call GRACC home

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        Castle of Our Skins

        Castle of our Skins is a Black arts institution dedicated to fostering cultural curiosity and celebrating Black artistry through music. In classrooms, concert halls, and beyond, Castle of our Skins invites Black heritage and culture exploration, spotlighting both unsung and celebrated figures of past and present.

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        OrigiNation

        OrigiNation's professional dance division will be GRACC's resident dance company, making OrigiNation the first professional Black and Latino youth dance company in the nation to residency at a performing arts center specially designed for the African Diaspora.

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        ROXFILM

        The Roxbury International Film Festival bills itself as the largest festival in New England that celebrates people of color. Over the course of ten days the festival screens all genres of films, holds workshops and panel discussions and offers filmmakers the opportunity to network with each other as well as audience members.

      • Featured Company

        GRACC is pleased to provide a home away from home for mission-aligned organizations at our own future home

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        Project STEP

        "We envision a world in which the classical music profession reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of our communities."

         

        Since 1982, Project STEP (String Training Education Program) has provided comprehensive music instruction to talented young musicians who identify with historically underrepresented groups in classical music with comprehensive music instruction.

         

        100% of Project STEP graduates attend college or conservatory

        60% of Project STEP graduates continue in the field of music as a profession

        52 students are currently studying in STEP’s core program

        12 years is how long students can study in STEP’s Core Program

      • Leadership

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        Taneshia Nash Laird

        Inaugural President & CEO

        tnlaird@graccboston.org

         

        Click Here for Taneshia's Digital Business Card

         

        Taneshia Nash Laird is a transformational leader with a history of stewarding large redevelopment projects and fostering arts and culture. As the Inaugural President & CEO of the Greater Roxbury Arts & Cultural Center (GRACC), Taneshia has been instrumental in establishing the organization's foundation and driving its mission forward. She led the creation of GRACC's mission, vision, and values, setting a clear direction for the organization's future. Taneshia also recruited the GRACC Advisory Council, which plays a pivotal role in securing the resources necessary to fulfill the organization's mission. Additionally, she established community, artistic, and scholarly advisory committees, which provide specialized guidance and diverse perspectives to inform GRACC's initiatives, strategies, and programs.

         

        Alongside her organizational development work, Taneshia hosts the "Nubian Narratives" podcast, where the rich tapestry of Black and Afro-Latino communities comes to life through stories of art, culture, and transformative empowerment. The podcast celebrates the creativity, resilience, and achievements that define Black Boston, offering universal lessons that communities across the nation can apply toward their own cultural and economic development.

         

        Taneshia's leadership experience includes the turnaround of the near century-old Newark Symphony Hall in New Jersey, for which she raised $15 million for its historic preservation. Before Newark Symphony Hall, Taneshia led the Arts Council of Princeton, notably as its first leader of color, where she reactivated its Solley Theater and transformed its Paul Robeson Center for the Arts to feature more inclusive visual and performing arts programming. As an entrepreneur, Taneshia co-founded MIST Harlem in New York City and Legendary Eats in Los Angeles. She also served as director of economic development and affordable housing for Trenton, NJ, and is the co-author of the critically acclaimed book "Still I Rise: A Graphic History of African Americans." She has served as a grants panelist for The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage and the National Endowment for the Arts.

         

        In addition to her professional accomplishments, Taneshia has shared her arts management and strategic planning expertise as an adjunct professor at Drexel University, where she taught Strategic Management in Entertainment and Arts Management. Taneshia holds a BBA from Baruch College and an MA in Live Entertainment Management from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.

         

        Taneshia's impressive track record, tri-sector expertise as a nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, as well as a city and state economic development official, and her commitment to stimulating positive change for underrepresented communities make her an ideal leader for GRACC.

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        Damien R. Wilson

        Advisor, Community Development Finance

         

        Damien R. Wilson is a highly accomplished community development finance professional. He brings over 20 years of expertise in structured finance, public-private partnerships, and commercial real estate development to his role as Advisor for Community Development Financing at GRACC.

         

        Damien's impressive track record includes key roles in high-profile cultural projects such as the Studio Museum in Harlem, a LEED Silver Certified, state-of-the-art institution for artists of African descent, the Lillian Marcie Center in Chicago, a modern theater complex in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood, and The Schomburg Center Museum in Harlem. His expertise in community development financing and public-private partnerships has been instrumental in driving the success of these transformative cultural initiatives.

         

        Currently serving as Senior Director for the HBCU Brilliance Initiative, Damien provides critical technical and financial support to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), empowering them to make strategic investments in their facilities, financial stability, and long-term growth. Alongside this role, Damien is the President of WD Advisors, a national real estate capital advisory firm specializing in commercial real estate financing and public-private partnerships.

         

        Throughout his career, Damien has demonstrated a remarkable ability to execute complex structured finance transactions. As a partner at Monge Capital Advisors, he originated, underwrote, and advised on over $1 billion in tax credit transactions and public-private partnership financings. Previously, at his own firm, Dominion Realty Capital, Inc., Damien arranged and advised on over $100 million in commercial real estate transactions.

         

        With an MBA in Real Estate and Entrepreneurial Management from the Wharton School and a BS in Mathematics from Morehouse College, Damien brings a wealth of knowledge and a strategic mindset to GRACC. His expertise in community development financing and public-private partnerships, coupled with his experience in cultural projects, will be invaluable in driving the successful creation of GRACC's new state-of-the-art visual and performing arts center in Roxbury.

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        John McDonagh

        Advancement Advisor

        John McDonagh is an accomplished fundraising and advancement consultant. With a distinguished career that spans leadership roles at major cultural and philanthropic institutions, John has demonstrated an exceptional ability to spearhead transformative fundraising campaigns and foster meaningful community engagement. At the Detroit Institute of the Arts, he significantly expanded operating support and donor engagement, exemplifying his talent for cultivating partnerships and inspiring philanthropy. As Vice President for Development at the Boston Foundation, John played a pivotal role in growing the foundation's assets and enhancing its community impact through strategic fundraising initiatives. At GRACC, John's leadership of the Advisory Council is instrumental in driving the organization's mission to promote Afrodiasporic arts and culture, leveraging his deep philanthropic industry knowledge and strategic insight to support GRACC's fundraising for the creation of a state-of-the-art visual and performing arts center in Roxbury. John's commitment to cultural enrichment and community development aligns perfectly with GRACC's vision, making him a key asset to the organization's growth and success.

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        Dean J. Marsh

        Chairman, GRACC Advisory Council

         

        A cornerstone of GRACC's transformative journey, the Advisory Council is tasked with charting the strategic direction, spearheading fundraising initiatives, and cultivating a network of supporters. Dean J. Marsh, CEO of Virtual Technologies Group, heads the GRACC Advisory Council. With a proven track record of guiding business transformations for North America's leading corporations, Mr. Marsh brings a wealth of experience in business development and leadership. His extensive knowledge and strategic insight greatly benefit the GRACC Advisory Council, supporting GRACC's mission to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in arts and culture.

         

        Click here to read the announcement about Dean's appointment to lead the Advisory Council, which includes details on his distinguished career.

      • Board of Directors

        Christopher Grant

        Board Member

        Kaidi Grant

        Board Member

        Louis Johnson

        Board Member

        Taneshia Nash Laird

        Board Member

        Nagesh Mahanthappa

        Board Member

        Richard Taylor

        Board Member

      • Advisors

        Meet the Members of our Advisory Council and Artistic & Scholarly Advisory Committees

        Cityline Interview with

        Erika Alexander

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        Erika Alexander & Ben Arnon

        Erika is an Actor, Writer, Producer, Entrepreneur and Activist

        Ben is a Media and Tech Entrepreneur

        Co-Founders, Color Farm Media

        GRACC Advisory Council

         

        https://www.colorfarmmedia.com/

         

        Producers of "John Lewis: Good Trouble", Producer "The Big Payback (also co-directed by Erika, PBS)", Producer of "Finding Tamika (Audible).

         

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        Wendell Pierce

        Award-winning Actor, Producer, and Entrepreneur, Presidential Scholar in the Arts Alumnus

        GRACC Advisory Council

         

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Pierce

         

        Best known for "Death of a Salesman" (Broadway, London), "Jack Ryan" (Amazon), "Selma." "Ray," "The Wire," "Treme" (HBO), and "The Watch" (BBC)

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        Dart Adams

        Author, Boston Griot, Journalist

        GRACC Artistic Advisory Committee

        https://www.dartadams.com/

         

        Recently seen in HBO's Murder in Boston: Roots, Rampage and Reckoning

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        Mariana Green Hill

        Concert Violinist, Arts Educator

        GRACC Artistic Advisory Committee

         

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        Thato Mwosa

        Filmmaker and Professor of Screenwriting

        GRACC Artistic Advisory Committee

        https://thatomwosa.com/

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        Danny Rivera Jr.

        Artist, Activist

        GRACC Artistic Advisory Committee

        www.dannyriverajr.com

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        Red Shaydez

        Recording Artist, Artist Mentor (Youth and Adults), Educator and Cultural Curator

        GRACC Artistic Advisory Committee

        https://redshaydez.com

         

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        Zakiyyah

        Artist, Activist, Scholar

        GRACC Artistic Advisory Committee

        https://www.zakiyyahofficial.com

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        Régine Michelle Jean-Charles, PhD

        Academic, Author, Speaker, and Scholar-Activist

        GRACC Scholarly Advisory Committee

        https://www.drregine.com/

         

        Currently appointed at Northeastern University as Director of Africana Studies, Dean’s Professor of Culture and Social Justice, and Professor of Africana Studies and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies

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        Zebulon Vance Miletsky, PhD

        Academic, Activist, Speaker

        GRACC Scholarly Advisory Committee

        http://www.zebulonmiletsky.com

         

        Currently appointed at Stony Brook University as Associate Professor of Africana Studies

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        Imani Perry, JD, PhD

        Interdisciplinary scholar of race, law, literature, and African-American culture

        MacArthur Fellow

        GRACC Scholarly Advisory Committee

         

        Currently jointly appointed at Harvard University as Professor in Studies of Women, Gender, and Sexuality, and in African and African American Studies

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        Emmett G. Price III, PhD

        Scholar, Musician, Speaker

        GRACC Scholarly Advisory Committee

        https://www.emmettprice.com/

         

        Currently appointed at Berklee College of Music as Inaugural Dean of Africana Studies and Visiting Faculty at Harvard University

      • News

        Press Releases and Media Mentions

        (click the headline to view the content)

        MassLive: Black History Month 2024: Rich in history, Boston celebrates its Black artists
        February 6, 2024
        By John L. Micek | jmicek@masslive.com As she took to the lectern in Boston City Hall’s...
        Greater Roxbury Arts & Cultural Center Appoints Tech Vet Dean J. Marsh Chairman of its Advisory Council
        September 26, 2023
        The Greater Roxbury Arts & Cultural Center, Inc. ("GRACC"), currently under development in Nubian...
        Boston Globe: In Roxbury, a center to accommodate neighborhood’s arts talent
        June 11, 2023
        By By Tiana Woodard, Globe Staff As planned, the Greater Roxbury Arts and Cultural Center would...
      • Get Involved

        Volunteer

        Whether you can commit to one day or become a regular volunteer, we appreciate your help in making our programming and fundraising a success. Sign up below to be alerted to our next "Art & Soul Session" to learn more about volunteer opportunities at GRACC.

        Inquire About Opportunities

        Donate

        Your support will help add performances, exhibits, and educational opportunities to Roxbury and support our future state-of-the-art home. You can make a one-time or recurring donation online or by mail. Every gift makes a difference; we thank you in advance.

        Click Here to Donate
      • CONTACT US

        Click Here to Subscribe to Our Mailing List

         

        Or use the form below to send us a question or a comment

        2235 Washington St, Boston, MA
        (617) 213-0730
        (617) 213-0730
        info@graccboston.org

      About Us

      Mission and Vision

      Leadership

      Contact Us

      617-213-0730

      info@graccboston.org

      We've run multiple surveys covering events , donor feedback, volunteer surveys - all for free. Thank you QuestionPro!

      Greater Roxbury Arts & Cultural Center, Inc is a federally-recognized public charity. Our EIN is 87-0871922.

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