About the JMAC

Our house. Your home.

About the Jean McDonough Arts Center

The Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) is a dynamic arts and culture hub located in the heart of Worcester’s Theatre District. Operated by The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, the JMAC comprises the ever-changing Worcester PopUp and intimate BrickBox Theater.

In 2024 alone, 88 different organizations and individual creatives used spaces in the JMAC over 400 times. Importantly, 55% of presenters identified as being from or serving communities of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, and youth from Worcester County.

This is an exciting next phase for the JMAC, and we are committed to continuing its mission of presenting a wide range of arts, culture, and events to audiences from our community.

Alan Seiffert, President and CEO of The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory

Community Investment

The ongoing stability of the JMAC is made possible by the McDonough Family Foundation. The Barr Foundation likewise plays a vital role, including its support of the JMAC Access Grant program, which provides selected cultural organizations and individual creatives with the resources needed to share their work with central Massachusetts audiences.

Administered through a new partnership with the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, the latest cycle of JMAC Access Grants awarded $115,000 across six projects for the 25/26 season:

• Karen Kempskie-Aquino’s A Cultural Mosaic in America Created Through Middle Eastern Music and Dance
• Xiang Li’s Watercolor Multi-Sensory Chinese Empress Art and Culture Experience
• The Poet’s Cauldron presents World-Renowned Poet Ursula Rucker
• Worcester Hip Hop Congress’ Words You Can See Vol. 5: Director’s Edition
• Rare Rebel Gallery’s 2025 Story Showcase and Exhibit
• Bodies Moving’s MILK Gallery Exhibit and Live Performance

We look forward to growing Worcester’s Theatre District, hosting our Access Grant recipients, and continuing to serve the diverse cross-section of local creatives and nonprofits who have come to rely on the JMAC as an accessible, equitable space.

Livy Scanlon, JMAC Managing Director

Whether you’re an artist, a performer or an audience member, we look forward to connecting with you and welcoming you at the JMAC!