Michelle
Baxter
Michelle
Baxter recently joined Madison Park Development Corporation as the
Director of Arts, Culture & Trade (ACT) Roxbury, a cultural
economic development program promoting local artists. Baxter took over
a 10-year old program that has helped make Dudley Square a popular
destination for anyone interested in Roxbury arts and culture.
Baxter brings a wealth of experience in arts programming and
administration in Boston’s cultural community to ACT Roxbury, as well
as an appreciation for cultural diversity. She recently served as the
director of performing arts and outreach for the Mayor’s Office of
Arts, Tourism and Special Events. She has also managed Dorchester’s
famed Strand Theatre, with responsibilities including oversight of
artistic programming, box office management, bookings and contract
negotiations.
At the Boston Center for the Arts, Baxter served as director of
programs and also for a time as the organization’s interim chief
executive officer. During her tenure, she founded an annual series of
cultural arts festivals and formed standing advisory boards
representing diverse ethnic constituencies.
An accomplished artist herself, Baxter has 10 years of experience
directing plays for playwrights and theater companies including Renita
Martin, African American Theater Company, David Valdes Greenwood and
Company One.
ACT Roxbury establishes annual programming to bring visibility and
economic benefit to Roxbury, including the Roxbury Film Festival,
celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer; the Roxbury Literary
Annual, featuring works by young local writers; the Roxbury Open
Studios, celebrating neighborhood artists; and the Roxbury Performance
Series, which brings theater companies, dance troupes and authors to
Dudley Square.
Much of ACT’s programming takes place at the historic Roxbury Center
for Arts at Hibernian Hall, located in Dudley Square. Vacant for many
years, the building reopened in 2005 following a complete renovation by
Madison Park Community Development Corporation. Hibernian Hall’s
centerpiece is its grand ballroom, where much of ACT’s programming
occurs, as well as a variety of community meetings and cultural events.
Over 12,000 people visit the ballroom annually.
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