Rooted in Culture. Growing Through Community.
building joyful resistance through food, land, and celebration
Mission
To promote diversity and equity in our community through events that celebrate the rich regional histories of both culture and agriculture.
We work to elevate communities and traditions historically marginalized by New England food systems, creating spaces of connection, learning, and joyful resistance.
Our Roots
Cultivate was founded in 2022, but our story goes back more than a decade, beginning with the Heritage Harvest Project, an initiative that spotlighted heirloom foods and regional foodways. In 2012, we launched Farm-A-Q, an annual community feast that brought together farmers and chefs. In 2021, the New England BIPOC Festival was created to center joy, resistance, and community in the wake of national calls for racial justice.
Together, these programs now live under the Cultivate umbrella, a home for connection, celebration, and ongoing work toward food sovereignty and cultural equity.
Our Approach
Celebrate
We uplift stories, people, and traditions through joyful community events.
Collaborate
We build cross-sector partnerships rooted in trust, equity, and shared values.
Cultivate
We nurture small businesses and farmers in New England by making space for creativity, resilience, and growth.
Meet the Founders
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Joanna Kelley
President
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David Vargas
Vice President
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Marie Collins
Secretary
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Evan Mallett
Executive Council