Home > Media Center > Adult Education Coordinator Attends Creative Sector Day at the State House

Above, L to R: Kayla G. Coleman, executive director of New England Museums Association (NEMA); Emily Pearce, executive director of Schooner Adventure and NEMA Board of Directors; Amy Peters Clark, NEMA’s director of Membership; Heather A. Riggs, NEMA’s director of Administration; Doneeca Thurston-Chavez, executive director of Lynn Museum/LynnArts and co-vice president of NEMA’s Board of Directors; Jennifer Wilson, NEMA’s director of Programming and Advocacy; and Samantha DePergola, Eastern States Exposition’s (ESE) adult education coordinator.

Adult Education Coordinator, Samantha DePergola, Attends Creative Sector Day at the State House

Recently, legislative perspective on the arts has been regular fodder for public discourse. To keep pace with ever-changing policies, Samantha DePergola, Eastern States Exposition’s (ESE) adult education coordinator, represented Storrowton Village Museum and the ESE History Museum at MASSCreative’s Creative Sector Day in Boston, Mass., on Wednesday, April 30.

MASSCreative envisions a Commonwealth of Massachusetts where arts, culture and creativity are expected, well-funded and valued. Members collectively believe that these tenets have a direct and significant impact on building civic engagement and economically vibrant, equitable communities.

To bring its mission to life, MASSCreative partners with residents, artists, creative and cultural workers as well as organizations with mutual goals to advocate for creativity and secure the resources necessary to sustain the creative community.

Creative Sector Day is a prime example of MASSCreative’s efforts; members of the arts and cultural community from across Mass. flocked to the Massachusetts State House to view displays and performances of the very work they defend. Esteemed speakers included Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. The occasion was co-hosted by Harold Steward, executive director of the New England Foundation for the Arts; Kayla G. Coleman, executive director of the New England Museum Association (NEMA); Brian Byoles, executive director of Mass Humanities; and Dr. Mary K. Grant, president of Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

“Creative Sector Day offered an opportunity to connect with key creative organizations, including Mass Cultural Council and NEMA,” said DePergola. “It was fantastic to hear from leaders across the state, including Governor Healey and the Lt. Governor, about the latest grants and awareness efforts that affect educational institutions like Storrowton Village Museum.”

DePergola is a frequent liaison in public spaces where the fate of the museum industry is concerned. ESE is grateful for her advocacy and diligence as adult education coordinator.