Somerville Fires Arts Council Director After 25 Years of Service

Gregory Jenkins' departure comes ahead of the council's busiest programming season.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The city of Somerville, Massachusetts has fired Gregory Jenkins, the longtime executive director of the Somerville Arts Council, just two months before his 25th anniversary with the organization. The council's board was not involved in the decision and has asked to be part of the search for Jenkins' replacement, citing the importance of the role in Somerville's creative economy.

Why it matters

The Somerville Arts Council has been credited as a major contributor to the city's resurgence after the Great Recession, helping to bolster the local economy, advance equity among the city's diverse population, and add 'humanity to the urban edge.' The sudden departure of its long-serving director raises questions about the future direction of the council and the city's commitment to the arts.

The details

Gregory Jenkins joined the Somerville Arts Council in April 2001 and was set to celebrate his 25th anniversary with the organization in April 2026. However, on February 9th, the city's new administration asked him to leave, with his last day being in early March. The Somerville Arts Council's board was informed of the decision on February 11th and expressed concern about the timing, as it comes just ahead of the council's busiest programming season of the year. The board has asked to be involved in the search for Jenkins' replacement, citing the need for a 'rare blend of civic institutional knowledge, demonstrated ability to lead and administer art organizations, creative vision, and interpersonal skills' to lead the nationally-recognized arts community.

  • Gregory Jenkins was set to celebrate his 25th anniversary with the Somerville Arts Council in April 2026.
  • On February 9, 2026, the city's new administration asked Jenkins to leave the Somerville Arts Council.
  • Jenkins' last day with the Somerville Arts Council will be in early March 2026.

The players

Gregory Jenkins

The former executive director of the Somerville Arts Council, who served in the role for nearly 25 years.

Emily Beattie

The chair of the Somerville Arts Council's board.

Jake Wilson

The current mayor of Somerville, Massachusetts.

Joe Curtatone

The former mayor of Somerville, Massachusetts, who cited the arts council as a major contributor to the city's resurgence after the Great Recession.

Denise Taylor

A spokesperson for the city of Somerville.

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What they’re saying

“Given the importance of this leadership position in our creative economy and City, we ask you to commit to participate in a transparent, nationwide search for the Somerville Arts Council's next Executive Director. This role requires a rare blend of civic institutional knowledge, demonstrated ability to lead and administer art organizations, creative vision, and interpersonal skills. Our unique, nationally-recognized arts community deserves a deliberate and focused search process to identify the right candidate to move us forward.”

— Emily Beattie, Chair of the Somerville Arts Council's board (Letter to Mayor Jake Wilson)

“Although this is surprising, and not at all what I wanted, it's been my pleasure to serve many Somerville administrations over my near 25 years as Director of the Somerville Arts Council.”

— Gregory Jenkins (Facebook post)

“The arts in Somerville are at the very core of our identity as a community, and Greg Jenkins has played no small role in keeping our creative spark right at the beating heart of all that we do. After 25 years of exceptional service, we celebrate Greg's legacy and, with the deepest gratitude, look forward to building on the Arts Council's strong foundation in innovative arts and culture programming and initiatives.”

— Jake Wilson, Mayor of Somerville (Statement)

What’s next

The Somerville Arts Council's board has asked to be involved in the search for Jenkins' replacement as the executive director, citing the importance of the role in the city's creative economy.

The takeaway

The sudden departure of the Somerville Arts Council's long-serving director raises concerns about the future direction of the organization and the city's commitment to the arts, which have been credited as a major contributor to Somerville's resurgence in recent years.