The Westford Teen Arts Council (WTAC) was organized in August of 1999 to support local teen art,
drama, music, dance & culture. The council strives to promote and sponsor programs and events to
raise the profile of and provide opportunities for young adults in the Westford area who are
interested in or involved in the performing and fine arts.
The WTAC is non-profit and is a sponsored organization by the Parish Center for the Arts, 10
Lincoln St., Westford, MA 01886 (978) 692-6333. The organization is loosely constructed with the
major organizational work being done by email. Council members receive information via distribution
either on-line or by mail. Those members who wish to be involved in an event or project respond via
email or phone. Periodic "planning meetings" are held to bring council members together and
brainstorm ideas for upcoming events. The events and projects are totally conceived of and executed
by the teens themselves. An adult advisory group assists peripherally. The real work, from setting
up to cleaning up, is accomplished by the teens. We've found that the teens lead the way to
startling and brilliant results.
Since the council was organized they have produced major events including a Dinner Theatre, coffee
house evenings, shows, Summer Concerts in the Park. WTAC can be found performing at the Apple
Blossom Festival, Strawberry Festival, and the County State Fair. They have produced their own CD's,
"Works of Art" and "Freedom", compilations of artists who regularly perform at the Parish Center for
the Arts during Westford Teen Arts Council events.
The WTAC is partially supported by the Westford Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported
by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Fundraising is an on-going effort, please
contact any of the Adult Advisors if you would like to help financially or as an Adult Volunteer.
Adult Advisors: Gil Bristol, Cheryl Serpe, Mary Gallant, Lizette Greaves, and Karen Yim.
♪ The WTAC held its first meeting on August 1, 1999. 12 teens attended.
♪ 5 months later, the distribution list was at 120 teens and growing rapidly.
♪ The WTAC held 5 successful events between September 29 and December 29th.
♪ They did fundraising work to earn seed money for their first event.
♪ The WTAC held a successful Logo Competition, judged by local artists and graphics
designers.
♪ A menu of light meals, hot and cold drinks as well as other refreshments was
developed by the Refreshments Committee, headed up by an 18 year old.
♪ Over 45 young artists have had their work exhibited at various WTAC events.
♪ A total of 14 articles and/or photos publicizing the group and its events appeared in
various newspapers including the Boston Globe. In most cases the articles were
written by a 16 year old.
♪ A 14 year old has been in charge of all audience seating, set-up, and quick-line
service, as well as wait staff.
♪ The Sound and Performance team, led by an 18 year old, found and organized the
entertainers as well as equipment set-up and mixing for the events.
♪ Financial Mangement at the events is done by a 16 year old.
♪ The WTAC was able to donate over $1,000.00 to the Parish Hall Renovation
Committee.