Free Soil Arts Collective (www.freesoilarts.org) and Angkor Dance Troupe
(www.angkordance.org) were selected to participate in the Powering Cultural Futures initiative –
as announced on October 20, 2021, by the Barr Foundation and the Community Foundation of
Western Massachusetts ((www.barrfoundation.org/blog/a-commitment-to-bipoc-arts-and-
communities). A collaboration between these foundations, this six-year initiative connects and
supports 15 arts organizations rooted in Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)
communities across Massachusetts.
We will receive operating funds as well as risk capital for growth through grants awarded by the
Community Foundation via its BIPOC Arts Equity Fund. Even more importantly, each group will
participate in efforts to build capacity and strengthen the arts ecosystem in Massachusetts,
particularly for BIPOC communities.
“The Community Foundation is honored to establish the BIPOC Arts Equity Fund, and to invest
in the Angkor Dance Troupe and Free Soil Arts Collective as a grant recipient,” said Katie Allan
Zobel, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. “We know
that Massachusetts is more vibrant when it embraces all voices, and we view this Fund as a
needed vehicle for donors statewide who want to invest in BIPOC artists, art forms, and
communities.”
With support from the Barr Foundation, the Free Soil Arts Collective and Angkor Dance Troupe
will join with peers from other participating organizations in a learning journey, connecting over
the next six years to share approaches, challenges, and successes. Throughout this timeframe
we will have access to consultants who can assist our planning and organizational
development. The lessons and insights gained through the experience of all initiative
participants will be shared with BIPOC networks and donors throughout the state.
“The Angkor Dance Troupe and the Free Soil Arts Collective do important work to bring artists
and cultural expression to the center of community life,” said Giles Li, senior program officer for
Arts & Creativity at the Barr Foundation. “They are poised to pursue a next level of impact and
resilience and to help power the future of BIPOC arts in Massachusetts.”
“The organizations in this initiative are among many across Massachusetts who are true
treasures in their communities,” added San San Wong, director of the Arts & Creativity program
at Barr. “They have trusted leaders who embrace arts to speak powerfully about the
experiences, struggles, triumphs, and dreams of community members. We look forward to
learning from these partners, and to circulating knowledge that can contribute to a more
equitable, well resourced arts sector.”
Tim Thou, Founder of Angkor Dance Troupe, stated, “On behalf of the Angkor Dance Troupe, I
would like to express my sincere thank you to all the trustees and staff of the Barr Foundation
for giving excellent support of our continued preservation of Cambodian culture and arts for the
next generation in Lowell and to communities across states for many years to come.”
“This multi-year investment from the Barr Foundation and Community Foundation of Western
Massachusetts is transformative for our organization”, said Christa Brown of the Free Soil Arts
Collective. “We look forward to deepening partnerships with BIPOC-led arts organizations
throughout the region, and building capacity for our impact over the coming years.”
Representing a range of ethnic and racial communities, geographies, art disciplines, and
organizational characteristics, the 15 organizations participating in the Powering Cultural
Futures initiative are:
● 3rd Eye Youth Empowerment, New Bedford
● Abilities Dance Boston, Boston
● Angkor Dance Troupe, Lowell
● Aquinnah Cultural Center, Aquinnah
● Castle of our Skins, Boston
● Danza Orgánica, Boston
● Elevated Thought, Lawrence
● Free Soil Arts Collective, Lowell
● Front Porch Arts Collective, Boston
● Hyde Square Task Force, Boston
● Jean Appolon Expressions, Cambridge
● Ohketeau Cultural Center, Ashfield
● Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts, Worcester
● Teatro Chelsea, Chelsea
● The Loop Lab, Cambridge
For more information about the Powering Cultural Futures initiative, visit
www.barrfoundation.org/blog/a-commitment-to-bipoc-arts-and-communities.
About Angkor Dance Troupe:
Angkor Dance Troupe’s (ADT) mission is to connect communities through the preservation,
education, and innovation of Cambodian performing arts. ADT provides instruction, preserves
Cambodian history, and spreads knowledge through its teaching of traditional Cambodian
dance, music, history, and the Khmer language. Through these classes and the high-quality
performances by its dancers, ADT maintains the integrity of Cambodian performing arts and
traditions while adapting to societal changes, and developing the next generation of dancers,
teachers, mentors, and leaders. For more information, please visit www.angkordance.org.
Photo: Angkor Dance Troupe
About the Free Soil Arts Collective:
The mission of Free Soil Arts Collective is to amplify and strengthen the voices of artists of color
in the Merrimack Valley. Frustrated by having to travel to Boston or other cities for work and to
experience BIPOC arts, Lowell-based theater director and actor Christa Brown founded the
organization in 2019. Investing in a network of local artists helps create more opportunities for
Black and other BIPOC artists to invest in their craft, develop new work, and share with the
public in the place they call home. Lowell has a majority BIPOC population, with diverse ethnic
communities and different immigration experiences. Free Soil believes theater and other artistic
expression can lift up voices from these communities to create a place of belonging for those
who are most marginalized. Free Soil’s work resonates locally, and the organization is a leading
voice in the changing cultural community of Lowell. For more information, please visit
www.freesoilarts.org.
Photo by Gilbert Gandia
About the Barr Foundation:
The Barr Foundation’s mission is to invest in human, natural, and creative potential, serving as
thoughtful stewards and catalysts.
Based in Boston, Barr focuses regionally, and selectively engages nationally,
working in partnership with nonprofits, foundations, the public sector, and civic and business
leaders to elevate the arts, advance solutions for climate change, and connect all
students to success in high school and beyond.
Founded in 1997, Barr now has assets in excess of $3 billion, and has contributed more
than $1 billion to charitable causes. For more information, visit barrfoundation.org or follow
@BarrFdn.
About the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts:
Founded in 1991, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the
quality of life for the people of our region and champion community philanthropy. With assets
totaling $200 million, the Community Foundation is an anchor organization for the three counties
bordering the Connecticut River in western Massachusetts (Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin
Counties) and serves as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities. To learn
more, visit http://communityfoundation.org/
Media Contacts
Free Soil Arts Collective Contact:
Christa Brown
Founder and Executive Director
christa@freesoilarts.org
978-401-6867
Angkor Dance Troupe Contact:
Sue J. Kim
President, Board of Directors
sue@angkordance.org
205-329-3289
Barr Foundation Media Contact:
Mary Chalifour
Acting Director of Communications
mchalifour@barrfoundation.org
617-854-3137
Community Foundation or Western Massachusetts Media Contact:
Emma Mesa-Melendez
Director of Communications
emesa@communityfoundation.org
413-417-6382
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