Introducing the Office of Arts and Culture’s new Director of Grants and Programs, Ty-Juana L. Flores

The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture (MOAC) is pleased to announce the newest addition to our team, Ty-Juana L. Flores! As the Director of Grants and Programs for the office, Ty-Juana is responsible for strategy and implementation of MOAC’s grants to organizations and individual artists, public programs, workshops, and programmatic partnerships. 

Ty-Juana came to the City of Boston from Berklee College of Music, where she worked for 10 years focusing on student retention and success initiatives, project and program management, community building, strategic development, and operations management. Learn more about her work as an arts administrator and her goals to build an equitable arts and culture ecosystem in Boston below.

Welcome, Ty-Juana! What made you decide to join the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture?

I’ve always been a fan of the creative process that artists navigate through when approaching their respective artform, so the idea of being able to make an even greater impact in the arts in support of their creativity was the driving force behind my decision to join MOAC. As a born and raised Bostonian (shout out to Roxbury!), MOAC is the perfect place for me to be an advocate for the arts at the various decision making tables.

What do you hope to accomplish in your role?

As a Black woman who has experienced microaggressions and systemic inequality on various levels, I know the importance of access and transparency. I hope to remove barriers and bridge intentional relations between the arts community and government so that MOAC is positioned as a long term trusted resource for performing and visual artists in our City. Through MOAC’s internal values, beliefs, and practices, I hope to co-design an organizational framework where artists can thrive in a way that works for them and not against them. Transparency and trust is key!

What are some things that you’ve learned from working in fashion design and your decade-long career at Berklee College of Music that you’re hoping to bring with you to this role?

In my career, I’ve learned the importance of staying connected to the “consumer.” In the fashion industry, we would review trends in order to produce the appropriate size run for the next season without factoring in reviews from small retailers or consumers. In my most recent role at Berklee College of Music where I managed the Black Scholars Initiative, much of what I was able to accomplish during that time period was based on trusted conversations with students, faculty, staff, and the administration. I plan to mirror this model and hold space for MOAC “consumers” by staying connected to our individual artists, arts organizations, and entrepreneurs. One truth that rings loud in my head is “never forget where you came from” and I firmly believe that much of my success in higher ed and fashion came by keeping my ear to the ground.

Tell us more about your interests and experiences related to arts and culture. Do you have a creative practice of your own, or any hobbies?

Interestingly enough, I’ve recently started to get back into print design for personal consumption. Back in the day, I would design mockups of womenswear clothing through computer aided design (better known as CAD) so recently I’ve enjoyed tapping into my creative side by making prints via newer design software. I recently designed a print that I plan to frame and hang in my home. 

What are some of your favorite things to do in Boston?

Outside of visiting museums and being the best hype woman I can be for local artists at concerts, I am a HUGE foodie and lover of wine! I can be found grabbing an oxtail plate at Flames (Grove Hall) or spicy tilapia plate from El Oriental de Cuba (Jamaica Plain), having oysters and wine with friends at B&G Oysters (South End) or lasagna at MIDA (South End), and enjoying all things wine from Urban Grape (South End)! I am also waiting for the arrival of oat milk lattes from Comfort Kitchen (Uphams Corner). Put it this way, anything related to dining out in Boston is my ultimate favorite thing to do.