The Kevin C. Kynock Foundation for the Arts kicked off its exciting new Artist-in-Residence program in October 2024 with a powerful showcase of art, culture, and connection. This pilot program brings professional artists into schools to engage and inspire students through live performances, workshops, and storytelling.
For our inaugural event, the Foundation partnered with spoken word artist Nayellie Estrella, who performed at the Community Charter School of Cambridge during its Hispanic Heritage Month assembly. Nayellie captivated more than 150 students across four different sets, weaving stories of her upbringing as a Latina woman in East Boston. Her spoken word pieces resonated with the diverse student body, particularly those of Hispanic and Latino backgrounds, fostering a sense of pride and understanding.
(Photo by Matt Porter)
A Powerful Connection
The experience created powerful connections for both the artist and the school participants.
Nayellie Estrella reflected on her experience:
“[The program] has been incredibly smooth and rewarding. I had the privilege of connecting with a fantastic school, filled with wonderful students and supportive faculty who made me feel truly welcomed. Being the first spoken word artist to participate in this initiative is a humbling experience, and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity.”
(Photo by Matt Porter)
The program also earned praise from Eliza Inder, who helped arrange the program with the Community Charter School of Cambridge:
“The Kynock Foundation did an amazing job listening to what we wanted for our artist-in-residence and finding the perfect spoken word artist for our Hispanic Heritage Month programming. Nayellie not only did an amazing job going with the flow as last-minute changes came up but also engaged with the students really well and had a great time. We are so grateful that our students and staff had this opportunity!”
On the Horizon
The success of this first event sets the stage for the next Artist-in-Residence program, happening this December at Esperanza Academy in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Andres Giraldo, a celebrated salsa dancer from Boston’s renowned Salsa Y Control dance company, will lead a dynamic dance workshop with students. This collaboration is especially meaningful for Esperanza Academy, which serves a predominantly Hispanic and Latino student population.
The Kynock Foundation hopes to expand this program permanently in 2025. You can help make this vision a reality by supporting their 2024 Annual Fund. Your contribution will bring the transformative power of the arts to more students across Massachusetts.
Consider making a donation today.
Are you an educator in Greater Boston interested in hosting an artist at your school? Reach out to the Foundation at kynockfund@kynockfoundation.org for more details.