Olivia Pellegrini

Organizations MassDevelopment and POW! WOW! Worcester announced a new fundraising campaign, with hopes to fund a redefined arts program for Elm Park Community School. POW! WOW! Worcester seeks to link community development and art education with the physical, cultural and social transformation of the Worcester Public elementary school.

POW! WOW! Worcester, known for its rich involvement in the arts and community engagement, will partner with Elm Park Community School, bringing 20 global artists and muralists into the picture to help beautify 15 of the school’s exterior facades. Art education and artistic curriculum will also be incorporated within the school, bringing a communal and state-wide focus back to early education development and academic-community collaboration.

“This campaign to change the public perception of Worcester and Elm Park Community School through colorful murals and public art will call attention to the school’s rich cultural history and spur renewed interest from the community,” MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones echoed. “MassDevelopment is pleased to support this campaign, which enhances our ongoing work to revitalize Worcester.”

Members of the community were similarly responsive. Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Maureen F. Binienda spoke warmly of the initiative, expressing gratitude and support of the newly found artistic involvement. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and their families as well as for our faculty. We are thankful to POW! WOW! Worcester for helping put Elm Park Community School on the world stage as a vibrant destination for learning and culture.”

Students will have the option to meet the artists painting the school, with programming implemented in such a way to encourage creativity and collaboration. A youth “art battle” is one such highlight for students to work together and collectively make a single work of art. For families who are interested, the organization will also host a community day and several other events during the week.

All this thanks to sponsor Commonwealth Places, a collaborative effort from MassDevelopment and Patronicity. The crowdfunding platforms leverage public support for strategic projects to improve their towns and cities. Commonwealth Places has supported other successful campaigns across the Commonwealth. To donate, apply or learn more about these effective projects, go online at www.massdevelopment.com/cmmonwealthplaces.

Elm Park’s initiative has inspired POW! WOW! Worcester to expand beyond the locus of last year’s festival. Other neighborhoods include Salisbury St., Shrewsbury St., The Canal District and more, for a time to unify Worcester in the often submerged love and appreciation of the arts.

In broader terms, this project follows suit after similar events and festivals possessed by not only Worcester but major cities across the United States. POW! WOW! Worcester seeks this continued success of artful impact and reaction, and is happy to announce four Worcester-based participants in this festival: Anthony Mancuso, Kai Griffiths, Pamela Stolz and Scott Boilard. Please visit www.powwowworcester.com for more information.