CREATIVES AT WORK: HENDRICK HERNANDEZ-RESTO
Image of Hendrick Hernandez-Resto managing the sound system at Creative Sector Day 2025. Photography by Robyn Martina Miranda.
“From an artist standpoint, Creative Sector Day is a day we mark on our calendars because we know the importance of our presence at the State House and in front of our politicians.”
THE PEOPLE SUPPORTING CREATIVITY IN OUR CITIES & TOWNS
Hendrick Hernandez-Resto is an independent creative and Creative Specialist at New Bedford Creative. For the last two years, Hendrick has been an active participant and collaborator in our Creative Sector Day programming by supporting the event as a sound engineer and by encouraging other independent artists in New Bedford to attend the day of celebration at the State House.
We asked Hendrick to share about his experience being involved with Creative Sector Day and why it’s important to ensure that artists feel at home at the State House.
An Interview with Hendrick Hernandez-Resto
What’s your history with MASSCreative?
Hendrick: In 2024, I was invited to perform at Creative Sector Day [at the State House]. In 2025, I was the sound engineer for the morning session.
What have you learned, or what skills have you gained, from participating in Creative Sector Day?
Hendrick: I had never been to the Massachusetts State House before Creative Sector Day in 2024. I was able to bring three of my friends to experience the day and meet our state representatives. They had never been there either. It’s a memory we keep near and dear. Hip hop isn’t something that is welcomed everywhere and we felt honored to be part of that day. I was also able to bring two other friends with me in 2025 and they felt the moment was amazing as we don’t expect the State House to be so accessible and full of artistic expression.
How are the skills, networks, experiences, or resources that you gained from these programs still supporting your advocacy and organizing?
Hendrick: Being a sound engineer in 2025 was something I started to pursue in 2024 after noticing that I could be of service. I was able to fulfill that dream and it reminded me that adjusting is as important an executing. To adjust from performer to sound engineer is a tall task and not something I had in my plans. I always thought I was going to [be] a rapper and not much more. Creative Sector Day gives me a direct example to refer to when I tell artists to be ready to adjust.
Photography by Robyn Martina Miranda
Where are you directing your advocacy and community organizing right now?
Hendrick: I keep advocating for artists to engrain themselves in their communities to allow for their neighborhoods to get comfortable with them. Communities that have positive experiences with their artists will generally tap them for gigs far more than artists they do not have experience to reference from.
Why is it important to support MASSCreative and arts advocacy?
Hendrick: From an artist standpoint, Creative Sector Day is a day we mark on our calendars because we know the importance of our presence at the State House and in front of our politicians. We also look forward to performing in a space as majestic as our State House.
Find Hendrick at:
Pushing limits, New Bedford based Sleepless in New England a ‘super team’ of talent - (The New Bedford Light, May 2024)
Instagram: @hendrick_hernandez_resto
