The Trust Transfer Project (TTP) was founded in 2020 as a partnership between the Community Music School of Springfield and the Springfield Cultural Partnership and is led by Program Director Vanessa Ford. Today, TTP continues as a Springfield Cultural Partnership initiative that collaborates with a wide network of public health organizations, community partners, and local artists.
TTP empowers artists as trusted messengers – working with a growing network of local artists and culture bearers – to communicate health information that directly impacts the lives of their families, neighbors, and communities. By translating complex public health guidance into culturally relevant creative expression, the project fosters connection, understanding, and collective care.
Originally developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to build trust through the voices of those most affected, TTP has evolved into a broader model for community-centered health communication. Current initiatives address issues such as mental wellness, food justice, prevention, and public health outreach.
Through collaboration across sectors, the Trust Transfer Project demonstrates how arts and culture can strengthen community resilience and improve health outcomes by transforming information into inspiration, accessibility, and action.
Current Initiatives
The Trust Transfer Project is not a single campaign but an evolving framework for artist-led public health and community engagement initiatives that respond to emerging needs in Springfield and beyond. As an ongoing platform, TTP partners with health organizations, educators, artists, and grassroots leaders to design culturally responsive programs that advance wellness, strengthen social connection, and reduce disparities. See current initiatives.
Project Highlights
Trust Transfer Project Featured in New David J. Sencer CDC Museum Exhibition about the Power of the Arts in Public Health Outreach read more…
Impact Study 2021 Executive Summary
Impact Study 2022 Executive Summary
“Transfer Trust is an important example of how communities can leverage the arts and an understanding of trust – where it is lacking and where it is strong – to address critical issues, like the COVID-19 pandemic. The project has demonstrated that power can be shared, trust can be built, and artists can lead communities toward health and equity. I would love to see this model applied in communities across the country to build strong and enduring cross-sector partnerships that center the power of the arts and artists to build healthier and more equitable communities.”
Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris
“The Department of Health and Human Services applauds and supports any efforts to help reducing COVID-19 cases in the City of Springfield. Education and mitigation efforts are critical to the community if we are to continue to increase our vaccination rates and we applaud the Trust Transfer Project for their efforts that are in support of the City’s initiatives working to help build vaccine confidence within our community.”
Jessica Collins, Executive Director of the Public Health Institute of Western MA (PHIWM)
“The public health and healthcare collaboration in Springfield knew that working together with the Springfield Cultural Partnership and Community Music School was a critical collaboration to educate residents about Covid 19 prevention. The Trust Transfer was more than we ever could have asked for. Our artists responded with authentic creative messages and art work that provided just what we needed. Collaboration between arts, culture and public health are a 21st century essential.“
“Anything we can use through arts and culture as a ‘hook’ to peek our young people’s interest in getting vaccinated ASAP, I am all for. Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and I fully support any efforts in working together to defeat this COVID-19 pandemic and to help boost vaccination confidence for our residents, especially our younger population. HHS Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and I truly appreciate the Trust Transfer Projects efforts in providing much-needed and creative yet vital outreach initiatives and educational efforts on the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine, especially within our communities of Color. Through their efforts, the partnership led by the Community Music School of Springfield and the Springfield Cultural Partnership, have provide a voice and platform for young creative artists to help disseminate information about the COVID-19 pandemic and this life-saving vaccine that is now readily available. I want to thank the Baker-Polito Administration for their leadership in initially funding this program through Governor Baker’s Urban Agenda Grant. Special shout-out to Springfield’s own Vanessa Ford, Project Manager for the Trust Transfer Project, and everyone involved for their continued efforts in our community working towards mutual respect, hope and improving the public health and quality of life for the betterment of all in our Springfield.“
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) partnered with arts and culture organizations to promote vaccine confidence and demand.
The Trust Transfer Project is highlighted under the project organization field guide for creating positive messaging, and “engaging artists as critical partners and trusted messengers in promoting vaccine confidence—for COVID-19 and beyond.”
DeVos Institute Announces SCP & CMSS as Partners in Pro Bono Initiative Focused on Social Cohesion through the Arts
The DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the University of Maryland chose eleven arts & cultural organizations to participate in pro bono consultation services—including the Springfield Cultural Partnership and Community Music School of Springfield. Read more
Communities for Immunity Announces First Round Awardees—including the SCP and CMSS who were chosen as partners for the work through the Trust Transfer Project
Supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Communities for Immunity provides funding awards and support to museums and libraries engaging their communities to boost COVID-19 vaccine confidence. Read full press release
Trust Transfer Community Partners
“Trusting artists to create and support healthy communities.”
Boys & Girls Club Family Center
Springfield Cultural Partnership
Celestial Praise Church of God
Whole Truth Temple Women’s Department
Art for the Soul Gallery, Inc.