Dear SpeakOut! user

Dear City Councilors, I am a SomArt artist who has had the privilege of rehearsing on the second and third floors of the Somerville Armory as part of the SomArt program, run by the Somerville Arts Council. The rehearsal spaces at the Armory have been vital to my work as a performing artist. These shared spaces provide not just an affordable place to create but also a supportive environment where collaboration thrives. The resources and infrastructure—such as sound systems and clean, open floors—allow me and many others to focus on our creative processes without the added burden of managing operational challenges. I fully support the Master Plan in its current form. It thoughtfully balances governance, operations, and programming to create a sustainable framework that ensures the Armory remains an accessible and equitable hub for artists and community members alike. By distributing responsibilities and leveraging the City’s support, the plan reduces strain on individual tenants, enabling them to prioritize their missions and programming—what ultimately matters most to the people of Somerville. As a performing artist, I deeply appreciate how the Master Plan addresses the unique needs of sectors like mine. Dance and performance often rely on shared space models that foster accessibility for both creators and audiences. Programs like SomArt, which lower the cost of rehearsal space, are central to this ecosystem. Without them, the financial barriers of production—already significant—would be even more difficult to overcome. The current plan strengthens this vital infrastructure, making it possible for artists like me to bring our work to life and share it with the community. I am excited to see how the Armory will evolve as a cultural cornerstone under this thoughtful plan. Thank you for your efforts to prioritize the arts and for considering the needs of artists and audiences alike. Sincerely,

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