We are AN Artist-in-Residence at American International College (AIC) in Springfield, MA and at BOMBYX Center for Arts and Equity in Florence, MA.

American International College is a private, coeducational, four-year comprehensive institution located in the geographic center of Springfield, Massachusetts. It provides access to a holistic education in an inclusive environment that propels a diverse community of learners to personal growth and professional success.

Young@Heart established a partnership with AIC in January 2024, serving as an artist-in-residence. Through this collaboration, the chorus will maintain a regular presence on campus, rehearsing in the Esther B. Griswold Theatre for the Performing Arts every Thursday morning, and presenting on-campus performances. AIC students will also have the unique opportunity to engage with the chorus as interns.

*Members of Young@Heart rehearse in AIC’s Griswold Theatre in January 2024.*

The Griswold Theatre is a state-of-the-art performance and rehearsal space that is at once both expansive and intimate. The 500-seat theater area is fully wheelchair accessible and air-conditioned and is equipped with a proscenium stage, computerized lighting and sound equipment, and quality acoustics.

Young@Heart Co-Director Bob Cilman about the partnership: “Being at AIC also provides us with the opportunity to be seen and heard by a diverse community of college students as well as recruit elder members from the surrounding community where a couple of our current members live.”

Check out the AIC website here.

BOMBYX Center for Arts and Equity is a non-profit organization based in a historic gathering place founded by abolitionists who championed anti-slavery, gender equity, and religious tolerance in Florence, Massachusetts. Carrying these values forward, BOMBYX serves the local community as a venue for transformative arts experiences, spiritual growth, and challenging conversations.

Young@Heart has been an artist-in residence at BOMBYX since 2022, and rehearses in their “Peacock Room” every Monday morning. We are honored to call BOMBYX a home, and performed in the venue’s iconic Sanctuary for the first time in early 2024.

Check out their extensive calendar of events on their website.