Abria Smith Appointed to the Boston Cultural Council

Abria Smith, associate director of community engagement in Berklees Office of Community and Government Relations, has been named to the Boston Cultural Council. Council members are chosen for their commitment to Bostons cultural community and their knowledge of various art disciplines.

For 19 years, Smith has spent her time at Berklee building alliances, fostering community engagement, and working with programs that empower communities through the arts. In her current role, she works in partnership with the City of Boston and various community-based partner organizations in producing annual concert series, as well as providing professional performance opportunities for Berklee students, faculty, and alumni.

Guided by her belief that council membership should represent Bostons diverse cultural and artistic communities, Smith was eager to apply for the open position. As an actor, writer, and musician, I have a deep appreciation for many disciplines and will work to ensure that each art form receives the attention and support that it deserves, says Smith. I welcome any opportunity to make a positive contribution to my home city.

Growing up in Roxbury, Massachusetts, Smith spent her youth writing poetry and music as well as acting. Her passion for performing led her to study voice at Berklee, where she graduated with a degree in music business/management. She later earned her master's degree in psychology from Cambridge College.

An active member of SAG-AFTRA, Smith performs locally on stage and on screen. In late February, she will make her debut at the Gloucester Stage Company as an actor and playwright with her play Trauma. Its part of Broken, Healed & Holding On, a collection of short plays written by women of color from Our Place Theatre Company. Smith has also written a book of poetry, Somebody Soup, and recently released the single We Shall Rise, available on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and other platforms.

For Smith, being a member of the Boston Cultural Council is an opportunity she couldn't pass up. It will allow me to not only contribute positively to the City of Boston, but also to work in support of something that I am extremely passionate about-the arts.

Listen to Abria Smiths single We Shall Rise:

Video of We Shall Rise by Abria Smith

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