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Writer's pictureFRACC

FRACC and A4A Launch Exciting Capacity-Building Program for Local Creatives

Updated: Aug 6

The Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition (FRACC) has partnered with Assets for Artists (A4A) to offer a transformative opportunity for local artists. Through $3,000 awards each, ten Fall River residents will embark on a journey of creative growth and professional development as part of the Capacity-Building Program facilitated by FRACC and A4A.


Supporting Artistic Futures with Unrestricted Grants and Professional Development

This innovative program pairs a $3,000 unrestricted grant with a robust set of professional development tools, empowering artists to design and build their creative futures. Funded in part by Bristol County through the American Rescue Plan Act, the six-month program provides:

  • A $3,000 unrestricted grant

  • Self-directed and group professional development for artists of all disciplines

  • Individualized support and resources from A4A staff and trainers

  • Planning tools for artistic career exploration

  • Cohort events for connection and peer learning

  • Priority access to A4A’s professional development workshops

  • Up to 2 hours of one-on-one coaching sessions with an A4A trainer


Pictured here (clockwise from top left) Nelson Skala, King haeli/BIG PEACH, Aah’King De Voe/Star Ch!ld, Polly Blue Moss

Meet the 2024 Cohort Members

This winter, FRACC and A4A issued an open call for creatives across Fall River, inviting those eager to strengthen their practice and deepen their connections within the creative community. We are thrilled to introduce the talented individuals selected for this year's cohort:


  • Aah’King De Voe (he/him) - Also known as “Star Ch!ld,” De Voe is a performer, songwriter, producer, and engineer, adaptable to any creative scenario.

  • Amanda Arruda (she/her) - is a visual artist who lives and works in Fall River. Arruda graduated in 2023 with her BFA in Painting.

  • Junnyahh (he/him) - A performer, educator, and mentor passionate about various dance styles, including hip hop and breaking.

  • Jillian Thorpe (she/her) - A visual artist with a background as an RN and RRT. When epilepsy kept her from working, she began making free-form resin pieces and has been in love with the process ever since.

  • Kayla Spagna (she/her) - A mixed media artist whose work with her hands is a vital part of her mental health journey.

  • King Haeli / Big Peach (she/her) - A multidisciplinary artist focusing on music, self-described as “punk bubble pop fusion mixed with hip hop.”

  • Megan Holden-Sathler (she/her) + Romario Sathler (he/him) - Storytellers and founders of Sathler Snippets, a digital media company.

  • Nelson Skala (he/him) - A multidisciplinary artist skilled in graphic design, photography, videography, and audio engineering.

  • Polly Blue Moss (she/her) - An artist who creates drawings of historic architecture.

  • Silvana Melo (she/her) - A poet, singer-songwriter, and educator exploring the beauty and limitations of language as an artistic medium.


A Step Forward for Fall River's Creative Community

FRACC and A4A’s Capacity-Building Program represents a significant investment in the future of Fall River’s creative community. By providing financial support and professional development resources, the program aims to help artists achieve long-term sustainability and success in their artistic careers. We look forward to seeing the incredible work and growth that will emerge from this initiative!


A4A will offer a series of professional development for creatives in the Greater Fall River area, starting this June with Planning With Your Whole Self In Your Art Practice” With John Vo. Space is limited, learn more and sign up today! The workshop series continues with Beyond Arts Grants: Creative Solutions for Project Support with Yara Liceaga-Rojas on Tuesdays, August 20, 27 and September 3, 2024 from 11 AM - 1 PM. Stay tuned for details on two additional workshops presented by FRACC later in 2024. Don’t miss out—signup for our e-newsletter to be in the know!


For more information about the program and to meet the cohort members, visit assetsforartists.org/blog/welcome-2024-fall-river-grantees


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