At the crossroad of culture and community, the Harvard Cultural Collaborative is preparing for its grand opening Friday, Sept. 15. More than two years in the making, the collaborative has gained momentum, community support, a large number of volunteers, and top professional talent as part of its leadership.
The collaborative’s vision: to create vibrancy in the center of town through community-based programming. “I think art and culture speak to the heart,” said Jan Daley, the collaborative’s board president. She and the other leadership of the collaborative see it as run by the community, for the community, and using community talent.
From left: Mamie Wytrwal, Willie Wickman, Jan Daley, Mark Mikitarian (kneeling), Marc Sevigny, Bob Benson (with hat), Julie Meyers, and Stephanie Gant pose in their new 10-Plus t-shirts. In addition to donating materials, George Carvill of 10-Plus donated equipment and labor, painting all of the tall ceilings on the first floor of the center. (Courtesy photo)
“We have talent here. We have dancers, painters, singers, musicians of all kinds,” said Daley. Using a community-driven process, the collaborative will invite residents of Harvard and nearby towns to pitch ideas and create new programs with input from the board and other community members. Focus groups tapping into Harvard’s diverse population will help make sure programming is relevant and responsive to community needs.
‘Kudos to the board!’
Described by Daley as “a merry band,” the board members are Jim Breslauer, Daley (president), Judith Eissenberg (vice president), Kirsti Gamage, Teresa Garti, Pat Jennings, Christa Maxant , Mark Mikitarian (secretary), Willie Wickman (treasurer), Mamie Wytrwal, and Al Combs (adviser). Over the past couple of years, the group has worked closely, sharing the many jobs and different hats needed to get the collaborative off the ground.
“Kudos to the board!” Daley exclaimed. “[We have] people who are dedicated and know how to have fun. Nobody has lost their sense of humor as the months roll on. We just really work well together.” The board’s energy and hard work are evident—from fundraising to marketing to working alongside the dozens of volunteers giving the old library’s interior a new look.
Mike Moran of Mike Moran Painting not only donated his time and materials, he enlisted his children (from left), Sabine, Rowan, and Shane, to help with painting Aug. 26. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
The board also brings its many talents to the mix, including expertise in fine arts, finance, law, information technology, general contracting, and design. Daley’s own background as a social worker, author, consultant, trainer, and lecturer only adds to her appreciable people skills and obvious enthusiasm for this project.
Community gathering spot
Central to the effort is the board’s vision of creating a space for the Harvard community to join together and connect. “We feel really strong community support. Everyone I talk to just seems very excited at the prospect of having a gathering spot—a place to connect face to face,” said Daley.
That support was evident last December through January this year when 129 supporters contributed more than $24,000 to the collaborative. These funds will not only cover the first year of operating expenses, but will also allow the collaborative to provide just over $6,000 toward the town’s effort to make the old library’s front entrance wheelchair accessible.
The collaborative is already serving to connect the community even before its opening. Board member Mikitarian tells the story of a newcomer to Harvard who dropped by last weekend. She ended up staying five hours painting, listening to music, making new friends, and looking forward to coming back.
A ‘spiffy space’
The work put in by all the volunteers to spruce up the old library—one of the town’s iconic buildings—is beginning to show. It also is in part fulfilling the collaborative’s mission to create a vibrant town center. “It’s a spiffy space,” said Breslauer, getting right to the point.
“She’s a gem,” agreed Daley, as she spoke of the collaborative’s shared responsibility of being a steward for this historic town property.
The building has six rooms available, each supporting a different use. The collaborative foresees hosting a variety of programs, ranging from performances, to classes, to workshops and events. The former children’s section will serve as a gallery for displaying local artists, Daley said. The options are wide open for community involvement in filling these spaces.
“There’s room for everybody,” Daley added. She and the other members foresee a bright future for the old library. “We couldn’t be in a better place. We are here in the heart of Harvard.”
