ADVISORY MEETINGS

To date, advisory meetings have been held every two weeks on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The American City Coalition (2136 Washington Street) as open working sessions to guide the planning and application process. 

With the designation approved and implementation starting, we are beginning to take steps to formalize the governance structure for the Roxbury Cultural District. Currently, we are evaluating a new meeting time in early June that will work for more people interested in getting involved in planning and governance.

Please check back here or the Facebook page for an update on the next advisory meeting date and time. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

MEETINGS

The following are examples some of the many meetings, small and large, that informed the RCD application. 

A Cultural District in Roxbury: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?
Monday, April 11, 2016
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building, 2300 Washington Street, Roxbury, MA
This was the first in a series of public conversations about seeking state designation from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for a cultural district in Roxbury. This meeting was a time for attendees to talk with each other about their vision for a cultural district in Roxbury; the meeting covered a broad range of topics through a rich, informal discussion among 75 attendees. The discussion was facilitated by Kelly Chunn and Associates and framed by a short PowerPoint presentation that is available in the Minutes and Other Documents section below. Notes from this meeting are also posted below. Individuals or organizations interested in helping to guide the planning process are encouraged to attend the advisory working sessions listed below.

Public Conversation
Monday, May 9, 2016
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Northeastern Crossing, 1175 Tremont Street,  Roxbury, MA
The second in a series of conversation about seeking state designation from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for a cultural district in Roxbury. Notes from this meeting are posted below. 

Public Conversation and Luncheon for Seniors
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Dudley Branch, Boston Public Library, 65 Warren Street, Roxbury, MA
Kelley Chunn hosted a luncheon for seniors. A second conversation with seniors was held at Smith House in Madison Park Village. 

Public Conversation
Thursday, June 16, 2016
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Dudley Branch, Boston Public Library, 65 Warren Street, Roxbury, MA
This was the third in a series of conversation about seeking state designation from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for a cultural district in Roxbury. Notes from this meeting are posted below. 

While these meetings are finished, the public conversation continues. Please let us know is we can visit your neighborhood, organizaiton, or business to hear more about your vision for a cultural district. Contact Kelley Chunn & Associates at 617.427.0046 or DECDinfo@gmail.com

City Council Hearing
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley Street, Roxbury MA
On October 25, we gathered in Hibernian Hall with Councilors Jackson, Wu, Pressley, and Essaibi George for the City Council Hearing on establishing the Roxbury Cultural District. The hearing included moving testimony from six panelists as well as many testimonials. All spoke in support of the district.

Here is Councilor Wu’s report from the hearing that she presented at the October 26 City Council meeting: Roxbury Cultural District: Councilors Jackson, Pressley, and I reported back on last night’s hearing on establishing a cultural district in Roxbury. The district would include Dudley Square and John Elliot Square and highlight the many arts and cultural assets in the neighborhood, as well as Roxbury’s significance as the heart of black culture for the region. At the hearing, we heard overwhelming support from neighbors and other stakeholders as well as ideas about the boundaries of the district. The matter will stay in the Arts and Culture Committee, a committee report will be drafted, and the Council will vote on it at an upcoming meeting.

You can access the full video of the City Council Hearing here.

NOTES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS

MCC Site Visit Map (12.5.16)
One December 5, Roxbury hosted a site visit for MCC staff of the proposed district.

MCC Application: Draft Roxbury Cultural District Application (10.24.16)
Attached please find the draft application for the Massachusetts Cultural District.

PowerPoint Presentation (6.16.16)
Attached please find the PowerPoint presentation that is being used to guide the discussion during public meetings.

Meeting Notes: Public Meeting Held on April 11, 2016   (4.11.16)
Attached please find draft meeting notes from the first public conversation. If you have any edits or questions, please be in touch via email at DECDinfo@gmail.com. 

Meeting Notes: Public Meeting Held on May 9, 2016 (5.9.16)
Attached please find draft meeting notes from the second public conversation. If you have any edits or questions, please be in touch via email at DECDinfo@gmail.com.

Meeting Notes: Public Meeting Held on June 16, 2016 (6.16.16)
Attached please find draft meeting notes from the third public conversation. If you have any edits or questions, please be in touch via email at DECDinfo@gmail.com.

RFP for Consultant for Dudley Square/Eliot Square Cultural District Planning (1.25.16)

Collaborative Funding Application to The Catalyst Fund (11.18.15)

Massachusetts Cultural Council Site Visit Guide
On December 5, the Massachusetts Cultural Council will visit Roxbury to conduct a site visit that includes a meeitng with municipal leaders, a walking tour of the proposed district, as well as a meeting with partners. 

Massachusetts Cultural Council, Cultural District Application Form

Roxbury Cultural District, Application Submitted to Massachusetts Cultural Council (11.15.16)