In inner city areas, communities are fighting to protect clean and safe public spaces. In Main South, which includes the proposed Arts District of Worcester, vacant lots have been transformed into community gardens. Youth, elderly and entire families grow flowers and many types of vegetables in these green public spaces. When there is no snow on the ground, all kinds of community gatherings happen at the gardens, such as potluck parties, meetings and poetry sessions.

Through the Arts @ the Gardens initiative, the Regional Environmental Council and community members want to offer available physical space and opportunities to connect local artists to community members.

As central locations, community gardens can be a good match for creative expression in the city, helping to strengthen the self-esteem of residents. Arts @ the Gardens also can allow more residents to enjoy outdoor life, helping to build stronger and safer communities.

Volunteer opportunities to artists
This summer, REC has worked to connect performers with summer events at many of the 22 community gardens located in Worcester. Musicians from Boston, Hartford, Providence and Worcester have already been contacted about their viability to volunteer in events at community gardens. So far, twenty solo and group performers have offered their work. In addition to those performers, art school students and teachers also have contacted us about facilitating arts workshops for children and adults at community gardens.

There is a wide array of opportunities to connect artists with the work of community gardens. Artistic gathering sessions and temporary or permanent exhibitions are among other opportunities for local artists to get visibility for their work and community engagement.

If you are an artist and want to volunteer with us, please contact the UGROW team at anytime. We will be happy to discuss opportunities for exhibiting your work at community gardens in Worcester. Your contribution is much welcomed to our community. You will be valuing open spaces and promoting community building through your contribution.