Samantha Valletta, a multi-talented artist from Worcester with a strong passion for the arts and community welfare, has been selected to be part of a team that aims to promote public health awareness amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative, led by The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), focuses on reaching underserved communities with creative messages about the importance of vaccination.
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Valletta, a filmmaker, actor, writer, dancer, and choreographer, has always been captivated by the human experience portrayed through storytelling and moving images. She brings her unique perspective and artistic talents to the forefront in this project. Valletta believes in the power of collaboration and aims to uplift artists from all backgrounds, providing a platform for communities to share their stories.
The MAPC invited artists, designers, and creatives to submit concepts that inspire safe and healthy behaviors. From the numerous submissions, nine individuals/teams, including Valletta’s team, were chosen to receive a grant totaling $45,000. The selected artists will create accessible artworks, such as posters, videos, postcards, and public art, to be used by health agencies, municipalities, and community groups in spreading COVID-related public health advice.
Valletta is a member of The Greater Boston Artist Collective (GBAC), an all-female artist group based in Boston. GBAC’s mission is to provide a platform for artists from diverse mediums to share their stories and uplift communities. Through art and multimedia, GBAC aims to create a powerful piece dedicated to the communities most affected by the virus, encouraging unity and resilience.
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The Metropolitan Area Planning Council serves 101 cities and towns in Greater Boston, including Bolton, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlboro, and Milford. The scope of this public health campaign extends beyond the Greater Boston area, with grant recipients across the state, such as Chelvanaya Gabriel, a multimedia art activist and storyteller based in Western Massachusetts.
Once completed, the artworks created by the selected artists will be made available for digital download and sharing. Valletta’s team, GBAC, plans to create videos that can be shared across various social media platforms. They will document and showcase efforts in vaccination, starting with a video filmed at the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury. Their goal is to create a simple, human-centric message that resonates with people and encourages them to get vaccinated.
Valletta, along with her GBAC teammates Gisell Builes, Karen Elisa Garcia, and Jennifer Medrano, will collaborate closely on this project. They aim to film at multiple locations, including the Central Community Branch YMCA of Central Massachusetts in Worcester, to highlight vaccination efforts within different communities.
This collaboration between artists and the MAPC is a significant opportunity to address health inequalities and promote equity in vaccine access, particularly in communities of color. The grant prioritizes projects that engage diverse ethnic, cultural, and BIPOC communities. The completed projects will be available in multiple languages, ensuring effective communication with non-English speaking communities.
Valletta is excited to work with activists in the Black and brown communities, acknowledging the challenges they face. She believes that art has the power to drive change, especially during these difficult times. Valletta’s activism is deeply rooted in her upbringing, influenced by her parents’ commitment to social justice. Her mother, Amy Valletta, is a lawyer and nurse who often represents children, while her father, Steven Valletta, works with patients in rehabilitation as a utilization reviewer for the UMass Memorial Medical Center.
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After graduating from Curry College in Milton with a degree in communications, Valletta pursued her passion for acting and filmmaking. She has appeared in movies, television shows, theater productions, industrial films, and commercials. Valletta is also known as the National Floors Direct spokesperson, appearing in commercials on Channel 7 News.
Valletta’s journey has not been without its challenges. She has faced financial struggles and setbacks along the way, but her determination and support from friends and family have helped her overcome those obstacles. Valletta recognizes the importance of using her success to uplift others and create opportunities for fellow artists.
Worcester holds a special place in Valletta’s heart, and she frequently returns to the city. She fondly recalls her time at Holy Name Central Catholic High School and as a dance student at the Jo Ann Warren Studio. Valletta believes that both Boston and Worcester are filled with genuine artists who inspire her and with whom she loves to collaborate.
Looking ahead, GBAC is working on a music video about social injustice that will be filmed at The Bridge in Worcester. Valletta acknowledges the struggles faced by art organizations like The Bridge and emphasizes the need to support and provide resources for artists. She is also planning a major climate change event for the fall, which will include the screening of a satire film she has created titled “Earth Day.” The event will bring together leading climate change scientists and filmmakers who were unable to showcase their work at film festivals due to the pandemic.
Valletta is grateful for MAPC’s support of filmmakers and the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful COVID-related project. The year 2020 brought about significant changes, and she is eager to transition into the “new normal” and continue making a positive impact through her artistic endeavors.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: Blog
