Community Corner
Worcester Launches Update To Cultural Plan, Invites Public Input
City officials are asking the public to help set Worcester's arts and cultural priorities through 2032.
WORCESTER, MA — City officials are asking the public to help set Worcester’s arts and cultural priorities through 2032.
Worcester has launched an update to its Cultural Plan, inviting residents, artists, creative workers, cultural organizations, businesses and students to complete an online survey. The planning process will evaluate progress since the Becoming Worcester Cultural Plan was adopted in 2019, identify new opportunities and create a five-year roadmap for arts, culture and the creative economy.
“Worcester’s cultural community is one of the things that makes our city such a vibrant and distinctive place to live, work and visit,” City Manager Eric D. Batista said. “This Cultural Plan Update is an opportunity to listen, reflect on what we’ve accomplished together, and identify the priorities that will help Worcester’s arts, culture, and creative economy continue to grow.”
The survey launched on Wednesday. Participants may enter a drawing for one of two prize packages valued at more than $75 and provided by Worcester cafes, restaurants and service providers.
City Cultural Development Division staff will promote the survey and answer questions at the Out to Lunch Festival and Farmers’ Market on Worcester Common on Sept. 2 and Sept. 9.
Fabian Barracks, Worcester’s cultural development officer, said community input will be essential to creating an ambitious, inclusive and practical plan that reflects the city’s current cultural landscape.
The update is scheduled to continue through January 2027. Keen Independent Research, a national consulting firm specializing in arts and culture, community planning and economic development, is assisting the city.
