“I love the work, I love the people, I love my life.” — Marcelo Avilés

Those were some of the last words of Marcelo Avilés and his words reflect how fully he lived. Marcelo was the program director at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, a fierce advocate for the arts in the San Francisco Bay Area, and a beloved member of the WAA community. Known as a talented presenter who mentored emerging artists, his passion for the arts was matched only by his genuine love for the people who make this work possible.

Marcelo had been active in WAA since his early career, serving on our Conference Committee, Showcase Committee, Conexiones: Latino Arts @ WAA, and most recently on the Oakland Host Committee for our upcoming conference. He brought insight, warmth, and an infectious enthusiasm that elevated everything he touched. Marcelo reminds us that impact can be created at any age.

In his memory, WAA has established the Marcelo Avilés Scholarship Fund to support talented young arts professionals in attending the WAA Annual Conference. It is a fitting tribute because Marcelo’s career was shaped in part by this community. He was also a WAA scholarship recipient, which helped bring him to our 2022 conference in Calgary. Afterward, he wrote to us:

“Thank you for creating an event that brings the industry together in a thoughtful way that leaves us inspired to go out and make a better world.” — Marcelo Avilés

Your support ensures the door stays open for the next generation who, like him, seek to make a better world. Recipients will receive complimentary registration to the conference and special events. Additional support for travel and accommodations will be provided to out-of-state colleagues as needed.

This scholarship fund has the full blessing of Marcelo’s mother, Linda Lucero, Executive and Artistic Director of the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, where Marcelo worked and where a parallel legacy fund is also underway. Learn more about Marcelo and his legacy at the YBG Festival website.