Candelaria Silva-Collins
Candelaria was director of ACT (Arts, Culture & Trade) Roxbury from its inception in 1998 until August 2007. ACT Roxbury, the cultural economic development program of Madison Park Development Corporation, sponsors the Roxbury Film Festival, Roxbury Open Studios, Roxbury Literary Annual, Roxbury Discussion Series and other events; the Danette Jones Business of Culture Series, an annual training course for artists. These programs were conceived, initiated and nurtured by Mrs. Silva-Collins.
She played a major role in the creation of the Roxbury Center for Arts at Hibernian Hall, the rehabilitation of the grand former Irish Dance Hall. She also leads arts and cultural tours of Roxbury in collaboration with Discover Roxbury tours.
She has been published as a short story writer, reviewer and essayist in such publications as the Bay State Banner, The Boston Globe, Glue magazine, Roxbury Literary Annual, and the School/Library Journal. She is also a facilitator and trainer.
Candelaria is a board member of Discover Roxbury, Wheelock Family Theatre, and Goddard College. She received the Top of the Arts Award for Individual Leadership in 2003 from The Arts and Business Council of Greater Boston, the Drylongso Award from Community Change in November 2005, a 2006 Community Service Award from the Boston & Vicinity Club of the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., and the Community Catalyst Award from Madison Park Development Corporation at their fortieth anniversary gala. She was a member of the Lead Boston Class of 2006 of the Boston Conference for Community and Justice and continues to be active in its alumni network.
She is blissfully married to Tessil J. Collins, has two adult children and one stepdaughter of whom she is immensely proud, and has a beautiful granddaughter who is a wonder as all infants are. She is also blessed to have a loving circle of friends and an extended network of people she cares about and who care about her!
