Join the ArtsHub of Western Massachusetts for this special event dedicated to connecting artists and creatives from any discipline Artists' Day of Connection is designed to inspire, challenge, and foster greater collaboration among our vibrant artistic communities. 

One of the biggest concerns we hear from artists is that there are few opportunities to meet other artists and to lay the foundation for working together.

Date & Venue

Date: Saturday, June 1st
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Location: Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity, 130 Pine St, Florence, MA

Register by May 25

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.

THERE IS NO ON SITE REGISTRATION

Support

This event is supported in part by a City of Northampton ARPA grant, the South Hadley Local Cultural Council, the Mass Cultural Council, and Odenang Pow Wow.  Artists/creatives in Northampton, Florence, Leeds and South Hadley will be given priority for registration and are asked to register by May 18th. 

The Agenda

The day will include a panel discussion, presentations by artists and New England Foundation for the Arts staff, and networking focused on:

Collaboration Across Communities and Its Benefits
Discover how joining forces can amplify your impact, broaden your audience, and enrich your creative expression.

Effective Partnership Strategies
Where do you start when you want to collaborate? Hear from other artists’ experiences and share your own ideas.

Realigning for Success after Encountering Cultural Obstacles
Gain insights on navigating cultural challenges and reshaping your approach to succeed in a diverse artistic landscape.

Resource and Need Identification When Collaborating
Master the art of identifying what you need and what you can offer in collaborative projects to maximize mutual satisfaction and success.

The Program

10 - 10:25 - Registration check-in, coffee and treats, and networking.

10:30 - 12 - Building Collaboration and Partnerships.Presentations, panel, breakouts.

12 - 12:45 - LUNCH, Masa Mexicano.

12:45 - 1:10 ArtsHub, NEFA and Grant opportunities.

1:00 - 2:30  -Expand your career! Nayana Lafond and Dee Boyle-Clapp.

Who this is for?

Whether you're an artist, a curator, an arts administrator, or a student, this day is for you! 

Come ready to network, share ideas, and build lasting connections that could transform your creative journey.

Who will you meet there?

Other artists and arts administrators from Western Massachusetts, including our panelists:

Moderator - Justin Beatty (he/him/his)

Justin Beatty - Justin is an artist, cultural educator, lecturer, and performer living in Hadley, MA. In his work for the ArtsHub he has previously served as a community liaison and currently acts as the DEI Consultant and member of the steering committee. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Amherst Media and the Social Distance Powwow and a former member of the Board of Trustees for Connecticut River Conservancy. In 2021, Justin founded the Odenong Powwow, a Native American cultural festival held annually in Amherst, MA. 

Nayana Lafond (she/her/hers)

Nayana LaFond is a full-time artist and artivist (Art-Activist) working in a variety of media including but not limited to painting, photography, and sculpture. Her work can be seen in museum and private collections around the world. Nayana has been curating for over 15 years including as Chief Curator for The Whitney Center for the arts and Liberal Arts Gallery. Nayana is on the board of directors for Artist Organized Art, Be The Change and several councils for Indigenous Arts in Massachusetts. 

Felicia Lundquist (she/her/hers)

Felicia is the Training Manager for Think Again Consulting and the co-chair of the Community Engagement Committee of the Board of Directors for the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce. She is the former Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Springfield College, where she served a culturally diverse group of students within the campus community by promoting and creating innovative programs and events.

Iohann Rashi Vega (he/him/his)

Iohann is the current Director of Media Engagement at Holyoke Media, the public access channel for the City of Holyoke. He is the former Director of NEPM Media Lab. He has facilitated and coordinated educator training sessions, youth media trainings & workshops, convened community partners, and hosted community events that promote national NPR and PBS/PBS Kids, as well as locally produced content throughout western New England.

Dee Boyle-Clapp (she/her/hers) 

Dee Boyle-Clapp, Director of the Arts Extension Service at UMass Amherst, is a co-coordinator of the ArtsHub of Western Massachusetts. Dee teaches and oversees courses, certificates and degree programs in arts management online and on campus, leads training programs in artist-business and public art, works at the intersection of art and sustainability, and lectures on the arts and the role of cities, sustainability and resiliency, and the creative economy.