BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey has designated Worcester resident Ché Anderson as Chair of Mass Cultural Council, the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency. In this role, Anderson will lead the Agency’s governing Council and help guide the organization as it strives to bolster the Massachusetts cultural sector.
“I’m grateful to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor for the opportunity to serve,” said Chair Anderson. “The Commonwealth’s cultural assets, from the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston and Old Sturbridge Village to Elevated Thought and MASS MoCA, are among the strongest in the nation. I look forward to helping amplify our core belief that culture is essential to the health and vitality of Massachusetts, and to advancing transformational change across our creative ecosystem that strengthens the livability of every Commonwealth community.”
Anderson has served with distinction on the Council as both the Worcester County representative for more than four years, as well as co-chair of the Advancement Committee over the last eighteen months. First appointed by former Governor Charlie Baker on May 17, 2021, he was reappointed to a second term by Healey on February 29, 2024.
"Arts and culture are central to what makes Massachusetts such a vibrant place to live, work and visit,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Ché Anderson understands the power of culture to bring people together and strengthen communities. I’m excited to see him lead Mass Cultural Council as it continues supporting artists and cultural organizations across Massachusetts."
Mass Cultural Council, the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency, is governed by a 19-member board of citizens known as the governing Council.
As directed by state law, governing Council members are appointed by the Governor to staggered three-year terms. They are private citizens who demonstrate scholarship or creativity in the arts, humanities, interpretive sciences, or local arts, and who represent communities across every county in Massachusetts. The Governor also appoints a Council Chair and Vice Chair, who serve at the Governor’s pleasure.
The Chair serves as Mass Cultural Council’s Chief Executive Officer, with the responsibility of appointing the Executive Director, subject to the approval of the full Council. The Executive Director, in turn, leads the day-to-day operations of the Agency with support from the Senior Leadership staff team. While these roles provide essential leadership, the structure ensures that Mass Cultural Council’s mission, programs, and services continue without interruption, even as individuals rotate on and off the Council or new staff is hired.
As Chair, Anderson will work closely with Council Vice Chair Jo-Ann Davis and Acting Executive Director David T. Slatery. Together, their first responsibility will be conducting a successful search for the Agency’s next Executive Director.
"It was an honor and pleasure for me to have the opportunity to work so closely with our former Chair, Marc Carroll, and I look forward to forging a positive partnership with Ché," said Council Vice-Chair Jo-Ann Davis. "As we move through this transition, his perspective, commitment, and collaborative spirit will be invaluable as the Council continues to support the cultural sector and we begin the search for the Agency's next Executive Director."
“Ché Anderson has been an engaged and thoughtful member of the Council, and I’m pleased to welcome him into this leadership role,” said Acting Executive Director David T. Slatery. “Mass Cultural Council’s work is rooted in the idea that creativity strengthens communities and our economy alike. I look forward to partnering with Chair Anderson and Vice Chair Davis as we continue delivering the essential services and critical public investments of the Agency.”
Anderson succeeds Marc Carroll, whose exemplary leadership and service guided the Council as Vice Chair, Acting Chair and Chair for seven years.
About Chair Ché Anderson:
Ché Anderson is the Assistant Vice Chancellor for City and Community Relations at the University of Massachusetts Medical School where he serves as a human bridge between the institution and external stakeholders. In his former role as Deputy Cultural Development Officer for the City of Worcester, he focused on public art, special events, and cultural equity. An avid lover of street art, Ché has led efforts to increase Worcester’s public art, most notably serving as co-founding Director of POW! WOW! Worcester, an annual placemaking festival that brings internationally acclaimed muralists, illustrators, and installation artists to Central Massachusetts to activate vacant and underused spaces, promote diversity, and stimulate dialogue in the City of Worcester. His recent endeavors include serving on the boards of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, United Way of Central Massachusetts, and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. |
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