Support "The Worcester Renaissance Project" - A cultural and economic development plan

We at F.A.M. Jam! Event Group Inc., 501c3, are reaching out to the public for support of "The Worcester Renaissance Project" and the "Worcester Renaissance Fair" event series dedicated to advancing Worcester's BIPOC artist and entrepreneur community. We hope that your endorsement would help to persuade the City Manager to contract with us for this endeavor. Please keep reading for details.

What is a Renaissance?

A renaissance is a period of profound cultural, artistic, and intellectual revival that follows a time of societal upheaval or trauma. It serves as a catalyst for collective healing, fostering renewed faith, and self-determination. It represents a time where communities come together to explore new ideas, challenge existing norms. It is a period of cultural and intellectual flourishing characterized by significant advancements in art, literature, science, and philosophy.

We have seen that the "renaissance" in Worcester has been characterized by developers benefitting from gentrifying our city, but not specifically benefitting our BIPOC communities at the same rate. An authentic renaissance in Worcester could be crucial for revitalizing the city, fostering a vibrant cultural scene, and inspiring positive change in various aspects of civic life. Importantly, a renaissance cannot be spearheaded by just one individual or a small group. It necessitates a collective awakening that challenges prevailing stigmas and disrupts the status quo. With your help, we can initiate a renaissance in Worcester that benefits the BIPOC community together.

What is "The Worcester Renaissance Project?"

Our mission is to create easier access to rules and fees, fostering greater transparency and equity in the street vendor and performer application process. We aim to develop and assist BIPOC street vendor and performer applicants, ensuring their placement in high foot traffic areas managed by the city of Worcester, thus increasing tourism and their chances of success.

Our vision is to develop, establish, and promote Worcester as the premier location in New England for ethnic minorities to start a business as a street vendor or performer and for tourists and locals to experience what they have to offer.

"The Worcester Renaissance Fair"

Is an epic event series that will serve as an incubator to highlight ethnic minority vendors and performers as they prepare to launch their businesses in Worcester streets and parks. Participants in the event may not have this as an end goal, however each event still serves as an opportunity to present them to the community. Events will feature family service providers and a variety of workshops covering the new street vendor/performer application process, creative entrepreneurship and financial literacy. 

Moving forward

We have garnered unanimous support from all 10 Worcester City Councilors, the Veterans Parks Memorial sub-committee, two Worcester Parks Department Commissioners, numerous community stakeholders and residents. The project proposal has been sent to the City Manager's Office, awaiting discussion on next steps toward a contract and funding.

Specific ask of the City Manager

● An MOU giving F.A.M. Jam! Event Group Inc., 5012c3 permission to place markers on designated sidewalks, walkways, parks or parking lots in high foot traffic areas of Worcester managed by the The Parks Department and DPW to schedule street vendors and performers. Activate these spaces with a QR code that links to a schedule and map available online for mlocals and tourists alike. Markers would include logos of partnering sponsors and stakeholders.

● All fees received from city vendors and buskers due to their participation in this project tol be directed to F.A.M. Jam! Event Group Inc., a registered 501c3 organization. A portion of the proceeds will be dedicated to clean up of designated areas, supporting applicant development, workshops, and organizing F.A.M Jam! events. We kindly request a limited non-compete agreement from the city to ensure the project's viability.

● Funding

Media - Please watch the videos below for context

https://youtu.be/G5RnbAUzM6c?si=2DEhGBc4U0Mqsv8G )

https://www.facebook.com/geoff.killebrew/posts/2440955632758922 )

https://fb.watch/qQmFVtAbR5/ )

We urge you to support us in this endeavor - sign this petition today to help persuade the City Manager so that we can create an inclusive environment where everyone has equal opportunities for success in the arts and entrepreneurship.

For more information on how you can participate in the project as a vendor, performer, volunteer or sponsor please contact us at FamJamEventGroup@gmail.com . If you would like to donate, please copy and paste this link -> https://gofund.me/5d866a20