Interview of Yvette Wilks as told to Charan Devereaux
Yvette Wilks is a long-time concert, event, media and festival producer. For the last 11 years, she has produced Somerville’s Evolution of Hip Hop Festival — this year’s festival is August 23rd in Union Square. Since 2011, Wilks has produced programs for the Somerville Media Center/Somerville Community Access Television (SCATV)/Boston Free Radio and also served on the Somerville Media Center’s Board of Directors. Wilks was named SCATV’s “Outstanding Media Producer” in 2019. Recently, she has worked with the Somerville Arts Council on a public art project funded by the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA). She is the founder of Wilks Productions Consultancy, focusing on helping others produce and document their adventures.
I read that you are originally from San Antonio, Texas. Tell us about growing up there. Who were your early creative influences?
My mother and father were my creative influencers. My mother was creative and crafty while being on the front end of upcycling. My father loved to cook and always found creative ways to present his food.
While in San Antonio, I volunteered at the Carver Community Cultural Center and created the Carver Junior Volunteers. This program allowed community youth to be volunteers and attend the Cultural Center’s shows and meet performing artists like Malachi Richard Thompson. This group was for youth up to the age of 18 and they were only allowed to attend the events with supervision. The Center’s Executive Director, Jo Long, gave me permission to start the group and that is where my passion for being a youth advocate began.
What brought you to Massachusetts?
Supporting my family as we embarked on a new adventure.
You are the co-founder and producer of Somerville’s annual Evolution of Hip Hop Festival sponsored by the Somerville Arts Council. This summer, August 23rd, will be the festival’s 11th anniversary. Why did you work to start the festival?
It was my solution to providing a space for our youth to listen to Hip Hop music in a family-friendly environment. Hip Hop is loved by many but there are not enough opportunities where there are intergenerational community events involving Hip Hop. Each year, we are working to remove the stigma of the culture.
What do you like about producing the festival?
Having a new canvas every year to create a performance platform.
Beginning in 2011, you’ve produced programs at the Somerville Media Center/SCATV and Boston Free Radio. Your shows have included “The Somerville Line,” with the goal of empowering people through storytelling; “Our View: A TV Show Hosted by Men of Our Communities” sharing perspectives and conversations; and the weekly radio show “Wat’s Da Wurd Radio.” What brought you to producing media?
I wanted to strengthen the communication between myself and my twins. I wanted to build their confidence by providing a platform where they [could] learn to watch and listen to others and learn how others see you by using the cameras.
What do you enjoy about the work?
Helping to create productive learning environments is my goal.
When did you form Wilks Productions Consultancy?
Wilks Productions Consultancy was created after the death of George Floyd and I felt I needed to exhibit faith in my abilities to fulfill my creative soul by starting my own business for my legacy.
What are some lessons you’ve learned as a producer?
Be true to your word and be consistent.
Do you have some favorite places in Somerville?
By the river. Union Square because it’s always had a unique edge in the venues, business and activities and SomerNova.
Are there any upcoming events or shows you’d like to share?
The 11th Annual Evolution of Hip Hop Festival is happening on Saturday, Aug 23, 2025.
How can people find you or your work on social media?
Facebook – The Somerville Line and IG @peaceandlove365
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I want to shout out to my twins for their support from day one. Thank you to the City of Somerville and the Somerville Arts Council for believing in me.
More Artists of the Month from 2025
Archives
About the Artist of the Month
This program is inspired by the Nave Gallery’s “Featured Artist” program, which ran from 2005 to 2009.
SAC’s Artist of the Month program is a way for us to celebrate the enormous wealth of talent in our city, by shining a spotlight on a different creative Somervillian each month.
This program has been put together by a whole raft of people: Coordinators Jenn Harrington (2013-2014) and Kellie Veiga (2013), Gilmore Tammy (2017) and Somerville Arts Council board members Matt Kaliner, Tim Devin, Valeria Amato, and Michael J. Epstein, Bill House (2019-2020), Charan Devereaux (2019-2025), Tori Weston (2019-2025) and Andrea Read (2022-2025). Current coordinators, are Kerrie Kemperman (2019-), Seth Garcia (2025-), and Ben Cuba (2026-).
Know of a great Somerville based artist who should be recognized, please nominate the artist for consideration. We seek artists who contribute to the community through their strong work and community collaborations. Artist should either reside in the City or contribute to the City’s vibrant art scene.