More art, more inspiration: Meet the artists transforming Jewish life through storytelling, music and art in Greater Boston.
How do we choose the fellows? This is the top question I get from curious artists and intrigued audiences when they encounter the Community Creative Fellowship, a program by JArts and CJP in our quest to inspire through the voices and visions of artists. As a founder of the program, I thought I’d take the opportunity to demystify the process a bit as we announce our fifth cohort.
Starting in 2020 with our first cohort—Mizrahi musician Yoni Battat and Mexican visual artist Adriana Katzew—our hope from the outset has been to highlight local artists creating intriguing Jewish art and introduce their work to broader audiences. Our goal is to expand the contemporary Jewish canon with new stories and perspectives.
For me, one of the most inspiring parts of the process is seeing the work of more than 30 artists annually. Across all art forms and genres, these artists share a vision of expanding our understanding of Jewish life today. In addition to seeking professional-caliber artistry, we also consider the needs and interests of our community. We ask: Who are the partners these artists will work with? What stories might our community want or need to hear? How might current events shape the art that resonates with them?
After weighing factors such as exciting artistry, diverse Jewish traditions and the ability to engage with our communities, I’m proud to introduce the 2024–2025 CJP and JArts Community Creative Fellowship cohort.
Storyteller and TikTok influencer Miriam Anzovin uncovers and illuminates Jewish texts. During her fellowship, she will develop her series “Jewish Lore Reactions,” which takes an inspired—and irreverent—approach to ancient Jewish stories.
Vaudeville performer AJ Rubin captivated audiences on “American Idol” and now seeks to inspire people of all ages with his klezmer-clowning fusion. AJ, who shares his experience as a person with disabilities, aims to ensure access for all to Jewish life and music through his fellowship.
Israeli hip-hop musician and accordion player Neta Weiner uses music and language to build connections. His performances explore the multifaceted and nuanced nature of Israel, offering the local community a unique perspective through his art.
Visual artist Sandra Mayo creates a visual art language using symbols and simple materials to explore Sephardic traditions. A proud Argentinian Jew, Sandra hopes to strengthen ties between the Latin Jewish community and the Greater Boston Jewish community through her fellowship.
This cohort represents Jewish life across the world and throughout history, showcasing diverse art forms and voices. I’m proud to work with a committee and community that prioritize celebrating the multifaceted nature of Jewish identity. This mission feels especially vital as we work to defend and affirm Jewish experiences in the face of rising antisemitism.
The 2024 fellowship launches now. I hope you’ll have the opportunity to meet our fellows soon!
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