A party was held last night to honor my friend Greg Jenkins, who was pushed out of his role as director of the Somerville Arts Council in February. The “Arts in the ‘Ville” party at Warehouse XI, Somerville, on April 9, 2026, celebrated Jenkins, under whose watch the council launched Porchfest, which inspired and transformed the whole region; Fluff Fest; efforts to preserve artist spaces; and numerous other beloved programs. (They also helped me present the Pity Party and other wonderful festivals.)
When the news became public on Feb. 13, Jenkins posted the following public message:
Friends & Colleagues,
I’m writing to let you know that the new Somerville administration has decided that the Somerville Arts Council will go in a new direction and I was asked to leave.
Although this is surprising, and not at all what I wanted, it’s been my pleasure to serve many Somerville administrations over my near 25 years as Director of the Somerville Arts Council.
I’m extremely proud of the work our staff has accomplished on behalf of the creative community of Somerville, including the festivals, programs, policies–as well as the collaborations with other city departments, partners, and sister cities. I truly believe Somerville is a true arts city, and over the years, together we’ve made it a wonderful place to be an artist, to enjoy the arts, and to support the creative community.
It’s been many years of important civic work — all of it, my honor. I look forward to what comes next for the Somerville Arts Council, all of you, and also for me.
Thanks — I will be further in touch shortly.
Greg
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