Somerville Names Armory Advisory Board to Guide Future of Historic Art Space

The City of Somerville is announcing the appointed members of the Somerville Armory Advisory Board, a new body charged with helping shape the future of the Armory as a vibrant, community arts and cultural space.

The board will play a key role in advising on programming, partnerships, and long-term vision as the City advances plans to revitalize the Armory as a multi-use, public hub for arts, culture, and community gathering.

The appointments build on the City’s ongoing efforts to reopen and reimagine the Armory as an accessible, sustainable, and welcoming public space for artists, residents, and cultural organizations.

Armory Board Members

The inaugural board includes professionals with deep experience across creative industries, live events, and cultural strategy:

• Jaina Cipriano – Experiential designer and filmmaker; founder of Finding Bright Studios and Executive Director of the Arlington International Film Festival.
• Martin Gohary – Founder of Studio Maarten, a creative studio engaging communities through music, film, and live programming.
• Bryan MacAuslan – Event producer and musician; owner of EventThem and The Ticket Union and founder of Common Roots.
• Hester Tittmann – Cultural strategist and communications designer; founder and Creative Director of Rabbit Rabbit Studio.
• Ellen Waylonis – Circus artist, director, producer, and cultural organizer; Co-owner and CEO of Esh Circus Arts and co-founder of Circus 617.

Building a Space for Everyone

The Armory has long been a gathering place for Somerville residents and local artists. Through this next phase, the City aims to expand access, support local artists and organizations, and create a flexible space that reflects the needs of the community today and into the future. The board will work alongside City staff and community stakeholders to help guide that process, ensuring the Armory is a space that is creatively vibrant, broadly accessible, and publicly secured.

The City's Armory information page on SomerVoice includes a user-friendly guide, timeline, and links regarding the leasing process at voice.somervillema.gov/armory-master-plan.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov. 

If you need assistance understanding this information, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311). The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.