Responses to City Council Candidates’ Survey on Arts in Medford
Arts Collaborative Medford is pleased to share the Responses to City Council Candidates’ Survey on Arts in Medford, created by members of our Board. The survey invited candidates to share their views on the role of arts and culture in our community, their priorities for supporting creative spaces and programs, and their vision for Medford’s cultural future. We hope these responses help residents make informed decisions and spark meaningful conversation about the value of the arts in civic life. Please read on below to see the responses from 10 of the candidates, arranged alphabetically by last name.
Zac Bears
Personal Experience with the Arts
We’ve all had defining moments in our lives. What direct personal experience with arts, culture, or creativity has had a meaningful impact on your life?
Art and music has been essential to my family and personal life. I was a member of the Medford High School Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, and Chorus, as well as the Handel & Haydn Youth Choruses. My dad is a professional gigging jazz and blues musician, my mom is an incredible visual artist, and my sister is a fantastic singer. I have also been incredibly lucky to grow up next door to former Poet Laureate Vijaya Sundaram, have current Poet Laureate Max Heinegg as my 10th grade English teacher, and become friends with our inaugural Poet Laureate Terry Carter. The Poet Laureate program is an incredible asset to our city in so many ways. My life has been deeply enriched by the arts, and I love how vibrant our arts and culture scene is here in Medford.
The City of Medford’s Role in the Arts
Why should the City of Medford invest in the arts and culture sector? What are the benefits of municipal support for the arts?
The arts and culture sector is essential to Medford's past, present, and future. From the Chevalier Theater to Arts Collaborative Medford and all of the amazing arts events hosted by CACHE and so many other groups, the arts and culture sector drives our local economy and community. Medford benefits so much from the connection and community-building that the arts and culture sector brings to our city. I would love to put more city resources into supporting our arts and culture sector, expanding the budget for the Medford Arts Council, additional marketing support for local arts and culture events, and more.
Arts Education
While Medford Public Schools have a strong team of fine arts teachers, many students do not have the opportunity to participate in these classes or other creative activities. As a Medford leader, what will you do to champion arts education and enrichment for youth—both in schools and in the broader community?
I am proud that we were able to make it possible for MHS students to access both vocational programming and arts/music programming thanks to the YES vote of Medford residents on Questions 7 and 8 in November 2024. The School Committee, led especially by Jenny Graham and Paul Ruseau in negotiations, ensured that these essential investments in our schools and educator contracts resulted in real improvements for our MHS students. New arts, music, and theater facilities are sorely needed for our high school students, and this will be a top priority for me in the project to build a new Medford High School!
City Investment in the Arts
Currently, the City of Medford invests about $100,000 annually to support artists and cultural organizations—through a $60,000 allocation from the Mayor’s Office and a $36,000 annual grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to the Medford Arts Council. While many valuable projects are supported, in the last grant cycle more than 60% of requests—totaling $125,000 in proposals—went unfunded. Would you support creating a dedicated line item in the city budget and increasing Medford’s investment in the arts by one-third (to $80,000), ensuring more local artists and cultural organizations receive support?
Yes. I support increasing our city budget investment in arts and culture!
Cultural Affairs Staff Position
Many Massachusetts cities employ a Cultural Affairs staff member to coordinate and promote arts and humanities activities—especially those involving municipal properties, permits, or multiple city departments (e.g., Recreation, Planning, and Public Works). Medford had such a position from 2016–2019.
Would you support re-establishing this position within city government, with an appropriate operational budget, to help coordinate events like Medford Open Studios, public art installations, festivals, and performances at venues such as the Condon Shell, Chevalier Theatre, and Arts Collaborative Medford?
Yes. I support re-establishing this position and providing more city resources for our arts and culture sector.
Miranda Briseño
Personal Experience with the Arts
We’ve all had defining moments in our lives. What direct personal experience with arts, culture, or creativity has had a meaningful impact on your life?
Last December, when I was visiting my hometown of Los Angeles, I came across a drawing by my dad. He passed away in 2022 and had really been through a lot, dealing with PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, and a bunch of mobility and chronic pain issues. He actually used art a lot during his therapy and hospital stays to help him heal. This drawing, which I'm pretty sure he made during one of those hospital visits, has all these sea creatures, including an octopus holding someone upside down, and then the words, "Other than that, I’m OK." It's not just a special piece of his art to me; it really captures the whole mental struggle he went through with his depression, anxiety, and trauma. It makes me feel super close to him, especially when I'm missing him.
The City of Medford’s Role in the Arts
Why should the City of Medford invest in the arts and culture sector? What are the benefits of municipal support for the arts?
Investing in arts and culture programming is vital for fostering a connected community. Especially during periods of isolation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, people seek connection through various artistic mediums. By expanding and supporting these initiatives, the city provides invaluable opportunities for residents to engage with one another, opportunities they might not otherwise experience. I deeply appreciate the art events currently hosted by the City and participate in them myself when I have the chance, like Porchfest, Open Studios, events at the ACM, and advocate for continued investment and growth in these programs for the future.
Arts Education
While Medford Public Schools have a strong team of fine arts teachers, many students do not have the opportunity to participate in these classes or other creative activities. As a Medford leader, what will you do to champion arts education and enrichment for youth—both in schools and in the broader community?
My personal experience with public education, where I benefited from diverse arts programs, forms the foundation of my commitment to fully funding arts education in Medford Public Schools. This commitment aims to ensure that all students, irrespective of their socioeconomic status, abilities, or background, have the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive education, mirroring my own experience through programs that were either free or had reduced fees. Outside of MPS, Medford should look to offer free and accessible arts education opportunities for the broader Medford community, recognizing that learning is a lifelong process and that the arts offer universal advantages.
City Investment in the Arts
Currently, the City of Medford invests about $100,000 annually to support artists and cultural organizations—through a $60,000 allocation from the Mayor’s Office and a $36,000 annual grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to the Medford Arts Council. While many valuable projects are supported, in the last grant cycle more than 60% of requests—totaling $125,000 in proposals—went unfunded. Would you support creating a dedicated line item in the city budget and increasing Medford’s investment in the arts by one-third (to $80,000), ensuring more local artists and cultural organizations receive support?
Yes, I would support advocating and pushing the Mayor to include this line item in the city budget.
Cultural Affairs Staff Position
Many Massachusetts cities employ a Cultural Affairs staff member to coordinate and promote arts and humanities activities—especially those involving municipal properties, permits, or multiple city departments (e.g., Recreation, Planning, and Public Works). Medford had such a position from 2016–2019.
Would you support re-establishing this position within city government, with an appropriate operational budget, to help coordinate events like Medford Open Studios, public art installations, festivals, and performances at venues such as the Condon Shell, Chevalier Theatre, and Arts Collaborative Medford?
Yes, I would support advocating and pushing the Mayor to include this line item in the city budget.
Anna Callahan
Personal Experience with the Arts
We’ve all had defining moments in our lives. What direct personal experience with arts, culture, or creativity has had a meaningful impact on your life?
I was a professional musician for about 10 years. It was not an easy life, and I cobbled together performances, CD sales, private teaching, and arranging gigs to make ends meet. Music is such a joy, and to this day I marvel at the privilege of getting to play with wonderful people. I have also done many creative projects, from 48-hour film projects to the North Cambridge Family Opera to the Medford Cardboard Canoe Race. Creativity and art are central to our lives!
The City of Medford’s Role in the Arts
Why should the City of Medford invest in the arts and culture sector? What are the benefits of municipal support for the arts?
Arts and culture are what make our lives rich and fulfilling. While many people think of music or art as things you simply go see, I see them as community engagement opportunities. A small house concert can be so much more community building than seeing a national act. Local artists can beautify many parts of our city that currently are just functional.
Arts Education
While Medford Public Schools have a strong team of fine arts teachers, many students do not have the opportunity to participate in these classes or other creative activities. As a Medford leader, what will you do to champion arts education and enrichment for youth—both in schools and in the broader community?
I hope to encourage more arts in our zoning. I want to help get Medforge off the ground (a maker space). I want to bring more people and events to the Arts Collaborative. And I support our School Committee in providing more resources for arts in school, after school, and our wrap-around programming for families.
City Investment in the Arts
Currently, the City of Medford invests about $100,000 annually to support artists and cultural organizations—through a $60,000 allocation from the Mayor’s Office and a $36,000 annual grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to the Medford Arts Council. While many valuable projects are supported, in the last grant cycle more than 60% of requests—totaling $125,000 in proposals—went unfunded. Would you support creating a dedicated line item in the city budget and increasing Medford’s investment in the arts by one-third (to $80,000), ensuring more local artists and cultural organizations receive support?
I would support that.
Cultural Affairs Staff Position
Many Massachusetts cities employ a Cultural Affairs staff member to coordinate and promote arts and humanities activities—especially those involving municipal properties, permits, or multiple city departments (e.g., Recreation, Planning, and Public Works). Medford had such a position from 2016–2019.
Would you support re-establishing this position within city government, with an appropriate operational budget, to help coordinate events like Medford Open Studios, public art installations, festivals, and performances at venues such as the Condon Shell, Chevalier Theatre, and Arts Collaborative Medford?
Yes
Rick Caraviello
Personal Experience with the Arts
We’ve all had defining moments in our lives. What direct personal experience with arts, culture, or creativity has had a meaningful impact on your life?
While I don’t have personal experiences, I have been influenced by my personal interactions with friends and family many of whom are more involved the arts and culture, than myself. A family member owns an art gallery and I myself have grown to appreciate the arts as part of my own personal life.
The City of Medford’s Role in the Arts
Why should the City of Medford invest in the arts and culture sector? What are the benefits of municipal support for the arts?
The Arts and culture organizations enhance our city and bring new visitors to the community and will help revitalize our squares and business districts by increasing foot traffic. Therefore, supporting local businesses (restaurants, retail) and raising property values. A vibrant cultural scene is a primary factor for attracting and retaining residents, especially the highly educated workforce. The arts also enhance community pride, creates a unique sense of place, and enriches the daily lives of citizens.
Arts Education
While Medford Public Schools have a strong team of fine arts teachers, many students do not have the opportunity to participate in these classes or other creative activities. As a Medford leader, what will you do to champion arts education and enrichment for youth—both in schools and in the broader community?
I will work with educators to establish a program that brings local professional artists with teens to collaboratively design and install public murals or sculptures in neighborhood spaces. This will provide hands-on exposure, and develop civic engagement, and showcases youth creativity city-wide.
City Investment in the Arts
Currently, the City of Medford invests about $100,000 annually to support artists and cultural organizations—through a $60,000 allocation from the Mayor’s Office and a $36,000 annual grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to the Medford Arts Council. While many valuable projects are supported, in the last grant cycle more than 60% of requests—totaling $125,000 in proposals—went unfunded. Would you support creating a dedicated line item in the city budget and increasing Medford’s investment in the arts by one-third (to $80,000), ensuring more local artists and cultural organizations receive support?
As you know I have been in the forefront of helping to bring an Art Center to Medford on Mystic Avenue. During my years on the Council, I have always supported the arts initiatives brought forward will support increased funding for the Arts.
Cultural Affairs Staff Position
Many Massachusetts cities employ a Cultural Affairs staff member to coordinate and promote arts and humanities activities—especially those involving municipal properties, permits, or multiple city departments (e.g., Recreation, Planning, and Public Works). Medford had such a position from 2016–2019.
Would you support re-establishing this position within city government, with an appropriate operational budget, to help coordinate events like Medford Open Studios, public art installations, festivals, and performances at venues such as the Condon Shell, Chevalier Theatre, and Arts Collaborative Medford?
Yes I would support the above initiative wholeheartedly.
Patrick Clerkin
Personal Experience with the Arts
We’ve all had defining moments in our lives. What direct personal experience with arts, culture, or creativity has had a meaningful impact on your life?
I've been quite a bit of traveling around the US, MA and Medford, which has put me in contact with much art and culture: Live music from Beale St in Memphis to the Medford Community Chorale. Sculpture from Trail of the Whispering Giants and Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham to the Oak Grove Doughboy in Medford. Documentary history from David Hoffman to the West Medford Community Center. Promotional posters from our national parks to WMFO at Tufts. Murals from Oakland and Fargo to the Andrews School and Mystic watershed. I also have an enduring love of reading including literature from Dostoyevsky and Hawthorne to Flannery O'Connor, Aldous Huxley and James Baldwin.
The City of Medford’s Role in the Arts
Why should the City of Medford invest in the arts and culture sector? What are the benefits of municipal support for the arts?
If infrastructure is what makes Medford a house, arts and culture give it a soul and make it home. These are vital uplift which unite us around community efforts. They're a reminder that we're not just cohabiting space but are responsible for, and therefore must speak to and work with, each other. The benefit of municipal support should be self-evident -- arts and culture are not extravagance -- they bridge and bind Medford so that we are not a heap of conflicting parts. Not only will they help retain balance and continuity throughout the neighborhoods, comforting ballast during intense, confusing times, they also produce fertile soil which encourages residents to lay deeper roots. Arts and culture are blooming, rippling texture where there would otherwise be withering, stagnant flatness. They highlight perseverance, triumph and joy against a backdrop of difficult, tragic and satirical circumstances -- expression and motivation we sorely need.
Arts Education
While Medford Public Schools have a strong team of fine arts teachers, many students do not have the opportunity to participate in these classes or other creative activities. As a Medford leader, what will you do to champion arts education and enrichment for youth—both in schools and in the broader community?
I'll advocate educational projects which produce visible, accessible results in the community. Teaming Tisch College of Civic Life up with Medford High students to commence a neighborhood mural program across the wards, for example. This could be coordinated by the joint ACM, CACHE and AM leadership and culminate in a city center mural that ties together with the ward murals. I'd also endorse better permanent representation for local arts and culture within City Hall. I've got ideas about where this office could be but would need the help of those more knowledgeable to determine whether this function is standalone or fits better within another office in a similar manner that the Office of Prevention and Outreach is affiliated with the Department of Health. I'd also seek support for new promotional material design contests and opportunities to display artistry such as partially-subsidized block parties to cross-pollinate neighbors and incubate new ideas.
City Investment in the Arts
Currently, the City of Medford invests about $100,000 annually to support artists and cultural organizations—through a $60,000 allocation from the Mayor’s Office and a $36,000 annual grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to the Medford Arts Council. While many valuable projects are supported, in the last grant cycle more than 60% of requests—totaling $125,000 in proposals—went unfunded. Would you support creating a dedicated line item in the city budget and increasing Medford’s investment in the arts by one-third (to $80,000), ensuring more local artists and cultural organizations receive support?
I would absolutely support this raised investment in the arts if it isn't financed through tax override or debt exclusion. I'd like to see a serious negotiation effort made to diversify and balance our finances by ensuring that commercial expansion is encouraged (including housing) and that the neighborhood residents are communicated with as valued participants. The successful passage of the new charter will be a critical step in the process towards neighborhood representation, expanded revenue diversification and more resources for arts and culture. Otherwise our budget will continue to be anemic and our city will resort to squeezing people on fixed incomes. With the right team of people and an outline of tangible steps I believe support from local institutions like Tufts and Chevalier, networks like the public library, benefactors like Bill Cummings and Michael Bloomberg and grassroots fundraising will come together.
Cultural Affairs Staff Position
Many Massachusetts cities employ a Cultural Affairs staff member to coordinate and promote arts and humanities activities—especially those involving municipal properties, permits, or multiple city departments (e.g., Recreation, Planning, and Public Works). Medford had such a position from 2016–2019.
Would you support re-establishing this position within city government, with an appropriate operational budget, to help coordinate events like Medford Open Studios, public art installations, festivals, and performances at venues such as the Condon Shell, Chevalier Theatre, and Arts Collaborative Medford?
Yes, I would support establishing such a Cultural Affairs city staff position and would assist with promotional, financial and implementation considerations.
Nicholas Giurleo
Personal Experience with the Arts
We’ve all had defining moments in our lives. What direct personal experience with arts, culture, or creativity has had a meaningful impact on your life?
I have had many. I studied abroad for five months in Italy when I was in college and was fortunate enough to see some of the most beautiful art in Europe during that experience. I have since returned to Europe to further appreciate the art I engaged with then. Today I am members of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and Boston Athenaeum. I visit both institutions regularly, and I make an effort to devote time and attention to independent study of art and art history. While I am not an artist, I have a passion for creative writing and amateur photography.
The City of Medford’s Role in the Arts
Why should the City of Medford invest in the arts and culture sector? What are the benefits of municipal support for the arts?
I am a major supporter of investment in arts and culture in Medford. It has been part of my platform since I launched my campaign. Studies have shown that communities that are artistically and culturally rich have higher qualities of life and even bring physical and mental health benefits to residents. Improving our community aesthetically and culturally will also benefit Medford economically. It will give visitors a reason to visit Medford and incidentally patronize Medford businesses.
Arts Education
While Medford Public Schools have a strong team of fine arts teachers, many students do not have the opportunity to participate in these classes or other creative activities. As a Medford leader, what will you do to champion arts education and enrichment for youth—both in schools and in the broader community?
To the extent financial resources are available, I would like to see more funding for arts education in the public schools. I would also like the city to do more to build partnerships with artistic institutions in the Greater Boston Area and our schools to provide more exposure for our students to the many artistic institutions and resources beyond Medford.
City Investment in the Arts
Currently, the City of Medford invests about $100,000 annually to support artists and cultural organizations—through a $60,000 allocation from the Mayor’s Office and a $36,000 annual grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to the Medford Arts Council. While many valuable projects are supported, in the last grant cycle more than 60% of requests—totaling $125,000 in proposals—went unfunded. Would you support creating a dedicated line item in the city budget and increasing Medford’s investment in the arts by one-third (to $80,000), ensuring more local artists and cultural organizations receive support?
Yes, to the extent we are financially able.
Cultural Affairs Staff Position
Many Massachusetts cities employ a Cultural Affairs staff member to coordinate and promote arts and humanities activities—especially those involving municipal properties, permits, or multiple city departments (e.g., Recreation, Planning, and Public Works). Medford had such a position from 2016–2019.
Would you support re-establishing this position within city government, with an appropriate operational budget, to help coordinate events like Medford Open Studios, public art installations, festivals, and performances at venues such as the Condon Shell, Chevalier Theatre, and Arts Collaborative Medford?
I would first like to speak to the arts groups mentioned to discuss with their leadership if they believe an arts coordinator in our city government is necessary to assist them with coordinating their activities. If the answer is yes, I would support reestablishment of such a position, with an operational budget, to the extent we are financially able to do so.
Emily Lazzaro
Personal Experience with the Arts
We’ve all had defining moments in our lives. What direct personal experience with arts, culture, or creativity has had a meaningful impact on your life?
The arts have been incredibly meaningful in my life. Growing up, theater gave me a home and a way to connect with my peers better than any other activity. I moved to Boston for college and hold both a BFA and an MFA from Boston University in Theatre Arts Performance and Playwriting respectively. I was a working actor and playwright until I had children. I experienced how difficult it was to sustain that lifestyle and a family and that led me directly to a life in politics, to attempt to find political solutions to the impossibility of being a working artist and a parent.
The City of Medford’s Role in the Arts
Why should the City of Medford invest in the arts and culture sector? What are the benefits of municipal support for the arts?
It is my firmly held belief that no matter what else humanity can lose, we will always require art. Whether it is storytelling or visual or auditory representations of our human emotions, especially in times of great stress or hardship, humanity always goes back to artistic expression and will always need that outlet. That is why I believe that government support for the arts is essential. When municipalities support the arts, it contributes to the beauty and vibrancy of a city, but it also lets community members know that their contributions are valued and will always have a home.
Arts Education
While Medford Public Schools have a strong team of fine arts teachers, many students do not have the opportunity to participate in these classes or other creative activities. As a Medford leader, what will you do to champion arts education and enrichment for youth—both in schools and in the broader community?
The proposition 2 1/2 overrides that passed last year allowed the Medford Teachers Association and the School Committee to negotiate a new contract which extended the school day, thereby allowing students in the vocational program at Medford High School to take arts classes. I was a big supporter of the overrides and was so happy when this contract was passed! It is critical that our students have every opportunity to study the arts.
City Investment in the Arts
Currently, the City of Medford invests about $100,000 annually to support artists and cultural organizations—through a $60,000 allocation from the Mayor’s Office and a $36,000 annual grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to the Medford Arts Council. While many valuable projects are supported, in the last grant cycle more than 60% of requests—totaling $125,000 in proposals—went unfunded. Would you support creating a dedicated line item in the city budget and increasing Medford’s investment in the arts by one-third (to $80,000), ensuring more local artists and cultural organizations receive support?
Yes.
Cultural Affairs Staff Position
Many Massachusetts cities employ a Cultural Affairs staff member to coordinate and promote arts and humanities activities—especially those involving municipal properties, permits, or multiple city departments (e.g., Recreation, Planning, and Public Works). Medford had such a position from 2016–2019.
Would you support re-establishing this position within city government, with an appropriate operational budget, to help coordinate events like Medford Open Studios, public art installations, festivals, and performances at venues such as the Condon Shell, Chevalier Theatre, and Arts Collaborative Medford?
Yes.
Matt Leming
Personal Experience with the Arts
We’ve all had defining moments in our lives. What direct personal experience with arts, culture, or creativity has had a meaningful impact on your life?
My dad is a trumpet player professionally, so I grew up around it, and I was into painting and cartooning through high school and college. I wanted to be a film director for a while in high school and got obsessed with old movies.
The City of Medford’s Role in the Arts
Why should the City of Medford invest in the arts and culture sector? What are the benefits of municipal support for the arts?
It's pretty simple: people like living around artists. Not having local artists is detrimental to the city. Local bands, murals, art exhibits — the whole scene are what makes a city worth living in.
Arts Education
While Medford Public Schools have a strong team of fine arts teachers, many students do not have the opportunity to participate in these classes or other creative activities. As a Medford leader, what will you do to champion arts education and enrichment for youth—both in schools and in the broader community?
Show support and continue to bolster the budget so that these teachers have job security in the long-term
City Investment in the Arts
Currently, the City of Medford invests about $100,000 annually to support artists and cultural organizations—through a $60,000 allocation from the Mayor’s Office and a $36,000 annual grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to the Medford Arts Council. While many valuable projects are supported, in the last grant cycle more than 60% of requests—totaling $125,000 in proposals—went unfunded. Would you support creating a dedicated line item in the city budget and increasing Medford’s investment in the arts by one-third (to $80,000), ensuring more local artists and cultural organizations receive support?
Yes
Cultural Affairs Staff Position
Many Massachusetts cities employ a Cultural Affairs staff member to coordinate and promote arts and humanities activities—especially those involving municipal properties, permits, or multiple city departments (e.g., Recreation, Planning, and Public Works). Medford had such a position from 2016–2019.
Would you support re-establishing this position within city government, with an appropriate operational budget, to help coordinate events like Medford Open Studios, public art installations, festivals, and performances at venues such as the Condon Shell, Chevalier Theatre, and Arts Collaborative Medford?
Yes
Liz Mullane
Personal Experience with the Arts
We’ve all had defining moments in our lives. What direct personal experience with arts, culture, or creativity has had a meaningful impact on your life?
It was instilled in me from any early age how important the arts are to my personal growth. I was brought up visiting museums, learning to play the piano, attending musicals and even performing shows throughout my childhood. They were instrumental in making me the person that I am today.
The City of Medford’s Role in the Arts
Why should the City of Medford invest in the arts and culture sector? What are the benefits of municipal support for the arts?
Arts and culture have a tremendous impact on cities - not only to provide the community with exposure to different cultures and backgrounds, but also by providing jobs, encouraging revenue growth and attracting new consumers to the city. By providing opportunities for people to attend events, other small business in the area will benefit as well.
Arts Education
While Medford Public Schools have a strong team of fine arts teachers, many students do not have the opportunity to participate in these classes or other creative activities. As a Medford leader, what will you do to champion arts education and enrichment for youth—both in schools and in the broader community?
I would work with the School Committee and our school systems as they identify the current needs of our students in these programs. Providing opportunities for students to take advantage of these types of classes to me is a foundational part of a child's enrichment and exposure to the world - and I would gladly partner to find ways in which to support and grow these types of programs.
City Investment in the Arts
Currently, the City of Medford invests about $100,000 annually to support artists and cultural organizations—through a $60,000 allocation from the Mayor’s Office and a $36,000 annual grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to the Medford Arts Council. While many valuable projects are supported, in the last grant cycle more than 60% of requests—totaling $125,000 in proposals—went unfunded. Would you support creating a dedicated line item in the city budget and increasing Medford’s investment in the arts by one-third (to $80,000), ensuring more local artists and cultural organizations receive support?
I always want to support arts organizations, and if this is put in the budget for approval, I would absolutely be behind it.
Cultural Affairs Staff Position
Many Massachusetts cities employ a Cultural Affairs staff member to coordinate and promote arts and humanities activities—especially those involving municipal properties, permits, or multiple city departments (e.g., Recreation, Planning, and Public Works). Medford had such a position from 2016–2019.
Would you support re-establishing this position within city government, with an appropriate operational budget, to help coordinate events like Medford Open Studios, public art installations, festivals, and performances at venues such as the Condon Shell, Chevalier Theatre, and Arts Collaborative Medford?
I would be in support of re-establishing this position within city government if it is included in the budget for City Council's approval.
Justin Tseng
Personal Experience with the Arts
We’ve all had defining moments in our lives. What direct personal experience with arts, culture, or creativity has had a meaningful impact on your life?
As a singer, my mother made sure to raise me around the arts. After short stints playing piano and violin, I found my feet playing the cello, beginning in the 5th grade at the McGlynn, eventually playing with the McGlynn String Ensemble, Medford High School Orchestra, Tufts Youth Philharmonic, and the New England Conservatory Preparatory School. I was in Spotlight Production’s inaugural production and spent my middle school years making lifelong friends through the program. My experience has ingrained in me the sincere belief that the arts make us whole. Without creativity, we wouldn’t innovate, and without art, we wouldn’t be in touch with our humanity. In fact, I believe that the sidelining of the arts has gone hand-in-hand with the discounting of individuals and their experiences in the decision-making of the powerful.
The City of Medford’s Role in the Arts
Why should the City of Medford invest in the arts and culture sector? What are the benefits of municipal support for the arts?
I alluded in my previous response to a grand vision of how art and culture shape society. In a world where the blue screens of mobile devices dominate and the inhumanity of artificial intelligence exerts an ever-creeping influence on modern society, art and culture keep us grounded. Art creates community and binds us all to one another. At the local scale, that means more folks escaping isolation and depression by finding self-expression. It means neighbors gathering together at our craft fairs and exhibitions at Arts Collaborative Medford, meeting and connecting with one another. It means a healthy outlet for children to build lasting friendships and spend their time in a positive way. It means putting Medford on the map, unique to communities around us. For all these reasons, and more, it is imperative that Medford invest in arts and culture.
Arts Education
While Medford Public Schools have a strong team of fine arts teachers, many students do not have the opportunity to participate in these classes or other creative activities. As a Medford leader, what will you do to champion arts education and enrichment for youth—both in schools and in the broader community?
Medford must be proactive in creating opportunities for students to pursue and thrive in the arts. Much progress has been made. Our historic investment in public schools means elementary students will receive higher-quality arts education, and high schoolers will have greater accessibility to art and music classes. Our pop-up parks have also opened doors for arts students to beautify public spaces. Going forward, we should open even more doors. As we redesign streets and public spaces, we can incorporate the arts—from painting storm drains to creating murals and revitalizing vacant storefronts. We should also invite more student performances at community events. My goal is to fully fund education so students can afford art supplies and musical equipment, which remain major barriers. Finally, we must open communication with students and parents to learn what programming they wish to see.
City Investment in the Arts
Currently, the City of Medford invests about $100,000 annually to support artists and cultural organizations—through a $60,000 allocation from the Mayor’s Office and a $36,000 annual grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to the Medford Arts Council. While many valuable projects are supported, in the last grant cycle more than 60% of requests—totaling $125,000 in proposals—went unfunded. Would you support creating a dedicated line item in the city budget and increasing Medford’s investment in the arts by one-third (to $80,000), ensuring more local artists and cultural organizations receive support?
I fully support these ideas, but I must also be honest and not overpromise, especially since state law prohibits the Council from adding funding to the city budget. However, what I can promise is that I will advocate for this and to hold true to my beliefs that these investments are important. I ran for City Council in the first place to fully fund our schools, especially as I saw pandemic-era cuts hurting vital programs like the arts, an opportunity I benefited from and wanted future generations to benefit from too. Over the course of my time being a City Councilor, I’ve grown to understand that, with so many competing needs, Medford needs more revenue. That’s why the City Council has been hard at work to grow our commercial revenue base and make big developers pay fair share—so that we can make these long term investments in our city.
Cultural Affairs Staff Position
Many Massachusetts cities employ a Cultural Affairs staff member to coordinate and promote arts and humanities activities—especially those involving municipal properties, permits, or multiple city departments (e.g., Recreation, Planning, and Public Works). Medford had such a position from 2016–2019.
Would you support re-establishing this position within city government, with an appropriate operational budget, to help coordinate events like Medford Open Studios, public art installations, festivals, and performances at venues such as the Condon Shell, Chevalier Theatre, and Arts Collaborative Medford?
Yes, I would. I would be happy to work with community members to see what they envision for this role and with city staff to find funding opportunities for this. I’d also like to learn from other municipalities to see what has been successful for them.
No other responses were provided by the deadline.