Building Creative Communities
Visionary arts administration at the intersection of culture, community, and social justice in Massachusetts and beyond.
KEY INITIATIVES
What Kaye Has Built
01
The Franklin Cultural Festival
2021–PRESENT
Created and facilitated Franklin, MA's first global Cultural Festival — featuring 52 artisan vendors, 10 food trucks, a beer garden, and seven international musical acts. The inaugural event culminated in a performance by Grammy-winning timbale player Eguie Castrillo and the Mar del Norte Salsa Orchestra.
State Senator Becca Rausch secured a $10,000 budget line-item for the festival in its second year.
02
MetroWest Arts & Culture Symposium
2022–PRESENT
Created the first regional MetroWest Arts and Culture Symposium, partnering with Mass Cultural Council and statewide art leaders. This annual event has become a cornerstone of the regional creative community.
Now a much-anticipated annual event bringing together artists, administrators, and advocates.
03
Commonwealth Heroine 2023
2023
In 2023, Kaye was nominated by her state senator to receive the prestigious Commonwealth Heroine award at the Massachusetts State House, honoring her outstanding work with arts in her community.
One of Massachusetts's highest honors for community impact.
Representation on Stage
Throughout her work as a musician, presenter, and arts leader, Kaye Kelly has made representation a defining principle of her programming and artistic leadership. Whether curating performers for the Franklin Cultural Festival, booking musicians for community events, or assembling the roster for her band, SheGrooves, she has intentionally sought artists whose voices reflect the richness and diversity of the communities they serve. Across generations, identities, backgrounds, and musical traditions, her goal has always been to create stages where more people can see themselves represented. Kaye believes that meaningful inclusion is demonstrated through action, and her programming has consistently reflected that commitment.
$8,000
Mass Cultural Council Grant, 2023
2023
Chalk Hill Artist Residency
COMMUNITY GALLERY
