Somerville Mayor Lays Out Future Plans For Art Council After Controversial Decision

SOMERVILLE, MA — Mayor Jake Wilson released a statement and plan for the future of the Somerville Arts Council in the aftermath of his administration's decision not to retain its long-time Director.

Greg Jenkins announced earlier this month that he will not be retained by the city after serving as the Council’s Director since 2001. Jenkins oversaw the ArtsUnion project in Union Square, developed the city’s Arts Overlay District zoning, and played a large role in the creation of the Somerville Cultural Capacity Plan that was announced in February 2025.

Wilson received some criticism for the decision from community members after the announcement, as some cited being confused by the move and wanted further clarification. Wilson’s Tuesday announcement aimed to reconcile issues taken by his constituents after he said he received direct feedback from many of them.

“I owe you an apology. The way news of the Somerville Arts Council reorganization became public was not how I intended for it to happen. You deserved to hear this from me first, with full explanation, and you didn't,” Wilson said. ”I'm sorry for the alarm that caused, and I want to set the record straight: we are not pulling back from the arts. We are doubling down.”

Wilson announced that the city is adding a new Culture and Community Cabinet Executive Director position in the Arts department in addition to the director who will represent the organization in all governmental affairs.

“For the first time, arts and culture will have a seat at the cabinet level -- the same level as Infrastructure, Public Health, and Strategic Planning. This isn't symbolic. It means someone grounded in the arts is in the room when key decisions get made,” Wilson said.

The search for both vacant positions will be conducted independently, according to Wilson.

The statement also expressed votes of confidence in some of the council’s annual events such as ArtBeat. PorchFest. SomerStreets festivals.

“The Somerville arts community is an exceptional economic and cultural force,” Wilson said. ”Our job is to earn your trust by deepening that commitment to making this city a place where the arts don't just survive but grow.”

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