The Fenway Alliance News - Letter from the Director

Spring 2004 (?)

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

If, as according to Eliot, April is the cruelest month, February may be the most reflective. With gray skies above us, and short days beside us, thoughts turn to where we have come from and where we are going. For organizations it is no different. Here at The Fenway Alliance, we are proud of our track record of tackling seemingly intractable urban issues—blight, town/gown relations, authentic community access to arts and culture, safety, protection of limited green spaces, and pedestrian friendliness and walk-ability. We consistently take the long view and the often more challenging but ultimately more rewarding holistic approach to creating urban space that is vibrant, safe, and inviting to all. Our work is guided by five principles: (1) access and equity to resources as the cornerstone of a Cultural District; (2) the power and efficacy of true collaboration, among our members, government sectors, and community partners; (3) the importance of quality and excellence in all that we do; (4) developing long-term vision over the implementation of short-term gains; and (5) perseverance tempered with patience.

We place people—the citizens who live, work, and play here—at the very top of our agenda, before design, development, and implementation. Through forging unique partnerships and creating real working collaborations, the Alliance moves mountains: the reconstruction and beautification of Huntington Avenue/Avenue of the Arts; the rehabilitation of Olmsted's Muddy River; the development of a dazzling public art project; and the production of an amazing annual day of free cultural events are some of the highlights of our work.

But much more can and should be done.

Institution doors can open even wider to the public; broadly collaborative projects that help elders and young people explore culture and the arts should be developed; public art must move beyond design to installation and maintenance; roadways and walkways in our area are still in need of critical improvements.

And so as you read about our recent accomplishments in this season's Alliance News, I ask you to consider the enclosed appeal, and to make a thoughtful donation that will not only help create a uniquely wonderful place, but will support a set of "values-in-action" to bring culture (both academic and artistic) to future generations of Bostonian place makers.

Kelly Brilliant, Executive Director