WORCESTER — City Manager Eric D Batista announced Thursday the appointment of Fabian Barracks as the city's next cultural development officer, effective March 27, according to a report by the Telegram and Gazette.

The report indicated that Barracks brings more than 10 years of experience managing a theatre and film company in Jamaica, where he wrote and directed 11 national theatre projects and produced two film series that focused on youth development and advocated for human rights.

Barracks, who succeeds Erin I Williams, who served the city for 18 years, also served as a program coordinator for the National Family Planning Board in Jamaica, where he helped execute strategies to accelerate sexual health testing and managed a team of 40 outreach workers.

“We’re excited to have Fabian take on the next chapter of cultural development here in Worcester,” said Batista. “Fabian will work hard to ensure there is equal access to arts and culture grants, programs, and projects throughout the city in accordance with the cultural plan and in partnership with the Worcester Cultural Coalition.”

As cultural development officer, Barracks will serve as the executive director of the Worcester Cultural Coalition (WCC), a public-private partnership established in 1999 between the city and 12 cultural organisations.

The publication also said Barracks will also play a key role in continuing to fulfil the goals of the city’s cultural plan, which serves to embrace and foster cultural and creative expression that is meaningful to all residents.

“The Worcester Cultural Coalition is thrilled to have Fabian join as the City of Worcester’s new cultural development officer and the Worcester Cultural Coalition’s executive director,” said Eric Butler, WCC board chair.

“The coalition looks forward to working with Fabian to continue to bring great creative energy, relevancy, advocacy and accessibility to the arts sector and our communities in Central Massachusetts," Butler said.

“I am excited about this opportunity to advance Worcester’s cultural agenda,” said Barracks. “This is a beautiful and diverse city, and it is essential that all residents feel a sense of belonging and are able to celebrate cultural expressions through the support of the city.”