MELROSE — The Melrose Creative Alliance announces its fourth annual summit, set to take place on March 29, and marks a significant transition in leadership with the appointment of Michael Rosenberg as the new president. This year’s summit, in partnership with the Melrose Chamber of Commerce, will bring together cultural organizations, artists and local businesses to encourage creative sector engagement and discuss strategies for resilience during times of uncertainty.
The Creative Alliance Fourth Annual Summit will serve as a collaborative forum, highlighting how creative sectors can activate local business activity and connect with the broader community to drive economic opportunity and bolster Melrose as a vibrant city. The summit will take place at the Knights of Columbus on Saturday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
This year’s summit, “The State of the Arts,” will explore how the arts and culture community plays a vital role in fostering resilience during challenging economic times. Once again, participants will highlight the power of collaboration between the arts and local businesses — something they know can create lasting economic opportunities for both. Organizers plan to involve local economic development professionals and Melrose residents who bring valuable expertise and knowledge to the subject.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to engage in small group discussions around strategies for funding and resources, and work together on ways to support the city in our upcoming Melrose 175 Years celebration.
The leadership transition comes as Jen Leclerc, who has served as president since 2022, steps down to focus on her new role as Executive Director of the School of Fashion Design in Boston. During her tenure, Leclerc led the alliance through significant growth, including the development of new programs and a robust advocacy and information platform for the arts community. “It has been an honor to work to support our vibrant creative community,” said Leclerc. “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together and look forward to seeing the Alliance continue to thrive under Michael’s leadership.”
Michael Rosenberg, the incoming president, brings a wealth of experience in arts planning and community development. Currently serving as Arts and Culture Planner for the City of Somerville, Rosenberg plays a key role in shaping Somerville’s cultural landscape. He led the Somerville Anti-Displacement Task Force’s Creative Committee, who recently released findings which provides recommendations on how to keep artists in place, helped draft Somerville’s first cultural plan, and secured grant funding for new public art initiatives. His efforts have strengthened partnerships between artists, businesses, and civic leaders, ensuring a more vibrant and sustainable creative community. With a background in both urban planning and graphic design, Rosenberg’s work includes roles as a Planner and Graphic Designer at CivicMoxie, LLC where he worked on arts and cultural plans for cities and towns across Massachusetts and the country, helping municipalities to foster more culturally dynamic places. He has also held positions with the City of Cambridge and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.
Rosenberg shared his excitement for his new role, stating, “I am thrilled to be leading the Melrose Creative Alliance at such an exciting time for the city. The upcoming Melrose 175 celebration presents a unique opportunity to showcase the incredible talent within our creative sectors, while also fostering deeper connections with local businesses and the broader community. I look forward to building on Jen’s work and guiding the Alliance toward even greater success.”
Rosenberg’s academic background includes a Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and a Master’s Degree in City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning, both from Boston University. His experience in arts leadership and his dedication to creative community-building make him an ideal fit to guide the Alliance through its next phase of growth.
Under Rosenberg’s leadership, the Melrose Creative Alliance will continue to advocate for the arts as an essential component of the city’s economic and cultural vitality. As the organization prepares for the Melrose 175 celebration, the summit will serve as a critical touchpoint for fostering collaboration to address the arts community’s shared challenges.
Summit registration is now open at MelroseCreativeAlliance.org. The event promises to be an engaging experience for all those committed to elevating creativity and culture in Melrose.
For more information about the summit or the Melrose Creative Alliance, please visit MelroseCreativeAlliance.org.
The Melrose Creative Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering collaboration and support among the city’s vibrant creative community. Through programs, events, and advocacy, the Alliance works to connect artists, cultural organizations, and local businesses, while promoting the arts as a vital part of Melrose’s identity and economy.