Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition

Artists leaders and artist-run groups addressing policy issues that affect artists in Massachusetts

2018 Champion of Artists Awardee Spotlight: Meri Jenkins

As we lead up to 12th Annual “Artists Under The Dome” Event and the MALC 2018 “Champion of Artists” Awards on November 14, 2018, at the State House, we are highlighting each of the six “Champion of Artists” awardees. This post is highlighting Meri Jenkins. This particular award is given in the memory of MALC Co-founder, Liora Beer.

Meri Jenkins photo
Meri Jenkins

This is the third time MALC has given these awards, which will be part of the morning program. The award ceremony will begin at 10:30am in the State House’s Great Hall, located on the second floor. The ceremony, along with all the events that are part of the annual Artists Under the Dome event, are free and open to the public. Although it is not required, we are urging people to register for the event.  For more information and to register: http://www.artistsunderthedome.org/annualevent.htm

This years awardees in alphabetical order:

  • State Representative Cory Atkins, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development
  • Adrienne Hawkins, Dance Artist, Master Teacher, Choreographer
  • Julie Hennrikus, Founder of Your Ladders, Arts Advocate, Mystery Author
  • Meri Jenkins, Cultural Districts Program Manager/Massachusetts Cultural Council
  • Lou Jones, Photographer
  • Save the Art–Save the Museum (STA-STM): Art advocates protecting the Public Trust at the Berkshire Museum

MALC is a big fan of Meri Jenkins and the work she does. She is an artist and a cultural economic development and creative economy expert. On October 26th, Meri is retiring from the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). This will be a great loss to the Commonwealth, especially to all the artists and arts communities in our state. In all her roles at the MCC, Meri has helped countless artists of all disciplines, arts organizations, and cities and towns to learn to how to best support and grow their communities by the harnessing the power of art and creativity.

Meri was also a dear colleague and friend of the late Liora Beer. Like Liora, Meri quietly did important work. She never sought the spotlight – she simply was too busy helping others. And, like Liora, Meri is deeply loved by all who have had the chance to work with her or had been mentored/helped by her. MALC wants to shine the spotlight on Meri for all the good she has done and will continue do, especially for the artists’ community.

Profile: Meri Jenkins

Meri Jenkins is Manager of the Massachusetts Cultural Districts Initiative, and Community Initiative, programs of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the state arts agency. The programs are designed to promote the use of cultural assets in economic and community development efforts in communities throughout the Commonwealth. Jenkins has worked at the Council since 2000. She has cultivated numerous dialogues among diverse stakeholders on the topics of creative place-making, sector capacity, and tourism; developed educational programs, symposium, and conferences; and designed technical assistance initiatives to support the development of the field. During her tenure at the Council and as manager of the Adams Arts Program, she has had responsibility for the dispersal of $13 million in grant awards to more than 100 projects involving 1200 organizations. Since 2011, she has cultivated 45 cultural districts from inception to state designation.

Prior to moving to the United States in 1999, Jenkins was the Principal Manager of Business in the Arts South UK – an organization that developed mutually beneficial relationships between the commercial and cultural sectors, and has 30 years of experience managing a wide variety of cultural organizations both in the United States and in the United Kingdom. A through line in all her work has been to reach under-served populations. She believes that government – be it federal, state or local – support for cultural organizations, artists and entrepreneurs is an investment that enables access for all, improves quality of life, allows for economic growth, and has far reaching consequences for the well-being of a community. A visual and theatre artist, Jenkins brings an empathetic approach and a deep understanding of what it means to be in the creative life to her work.