The Community Foundation for MetroWest today announced the members of the new ARTbuilds Community Advisory Board, who will help guide ARTbuilds, CFMW’s new Action Project and regional investment strategy for arts and culture across MetroWest.
Launched to strengthen a vibrant, accessible arts and culture ecosystem, ARTbuilds brings together local data, community voices, and philanthropic investment to expand access to the arts, support working and teaching artists, and driving economic impact.
“The Community Advisors will help ensure this work remains rooted in the lived experience, creativity, and priorities of MetroWest communities,” said Jay Kim, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for MetroWest. “We had a wealth of stellar applicants for the board. Although we could only select a few, we met many talented artists and community leaders whose ideas, expertise, and commitment will continue to shape this work. We are excited to partner with this advisory board as we build a more vibrant and inclusive cultural future for MetroWest that supports our economic development.”
- Laura Reyes, a musician based in MetroWest, is an arts administrator and arts advocate. She managed arts, grants and career programs at The Boston Foundation, Berklee College of Music, and New England Conservatory. In addition to freelancing and consulting, she is the second bassoon for the New England Philharmonic and serves as a regular substitute for the Cape Ann and Brookline Symphonies. Laura graduated from the University of Connecticut where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Music, and attended the Longy School of Music at Bard College, receiving her master’s in music for Bassoon Performance.
- Archana Menon, Associate Director of Arts & Culture for the City of Newton, leads initiatives that advance Newton’s creative ecosystem through strategic planning, public art, creative placemaking, civic engagement, and cross-sector partnerships. With more than a decade of experience in municipal government, cultural planning, and community development, she brings deep expertise in connecting people, places, and partnerships through the arts. She is a resident of Holliston.
- Mari Jae Benning, Chair of the Hopkinton Cultural Council and co-founder of The Art Oasis Natick, brings the perspective of both a professional artist and community arts leader. She is a classically trained contemporary oil painter whose work has been exhibited in solo exhibitions and collected throughout the United States and internationally.
- Stephond Goler, Founder and CEO of Citixen Joy, a Waltham-based creative economy and event production company building equitable access to arts and culture across Greater Boston. A working musician and producer, he has created live events, multicultural festivals, and creative placemaking programs that prioritize opportunity for BIPOC artists, vendors, and creative workers.
- Melina List, Founder of the Framingham Disability Cultural Series, is an artist, researcher, and communications specialist from Framingham whose multidisciplinary practice includes ceramics, painting, writing, zine-making, photography, and fiber art. Their work focuses on plant and animal life, disability, and interdependence.
As advisors, the board members will bring direct experience in municipal arts leadership, public art, creative placemaking, cultural programming, accessibility, creative economy development, and community-based arts participation. Their perspectives will help CFMW identify regional needs, elevate community priorities, and shape investments that expand access and strengthen the cultural infrastructure that supports artists, organizations, and residents across MetroWest.
An investment focus since 1995, CFMW has granted nearly $3 million to arts organizations, including $2.5 million in the last decade alone, supporting 130 unique organizations across all 33 cities and towns in the region.
ARTbuilds is CFMW’s newest Action Project, joining Equity in Education, Workforce Development, and Homelessness Prevention. Action Projects are CFMW’s targeted funding initiatives that bring partners together to address regional needs, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life across MetroWest. Since 2022, CFMW has invested more than $1.8 million through its Action Projects, supporting 22 projects and serving 4,400 MetroWest residents.
