The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission was ecstatic to learn that the Switchboard won a $25,000 grant to build their artist residency program. The program brings artists to Haverhill for 2-4 week residencies at the downtown arts space. The Switchboard decided to occupy the vacant storefront a couple of years ago and has since spearheaded the Her Voice Carries project that is responsible for the beautiful new mural on the side of their 43 Washington St location. The group also hosts a popular small works gallery show that features artists from around New England.

“MassDevelopment is pleased to offer this funding through the first round of TDI Creative Catalyst Grant awards, which will empower Gateway City stakeholders to revitalize underused spaces, build community, and advance their neighborhoods as regional centers of arts and culture,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss.

Recognizing the transformative power of the creative economy in urban areas has been a recent trend in community development and urban planning circles. MVPC is planning a series of workshops this spring for residents to participate in. The workshops’ aim to identify and map the cultural and artistic assets of the region. Essex County Community Foundation has been spearheading such projects throughout the county since 2017 through its Creative County Initiative. The Creative Catalyst grant is another great example of how, as planners, we are focusing on building out places that center around inclusivity, creativity, and local ownership. The Creative Catalyst grant is part of MassDevelopments Transformative Development Initiative seeded with funds from the Barr Foundation.

“The diversity and breadth of Creative Catalyst Grants projects is very exciting,” said San San Wong, Barr Foundation Director of Arts and Creativity. “These innovative, ground-up, strategic efforts will create more equitable access to arts across the Commonwealth. Dovetailing well with TDI’s economic revitalization efforts, they promise greater vibrancy, cultural diversity, and social infrastructure in communities.”

The Merrimack Valley is home to two Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) communities: Lawrence and Haverhill. MVPC participates in the Lawrence partnership and leads the Haverhill partnership which is made up of local people with a vested interest in a better downtown. MVPC is excited to continue working with stakeholders in the creative economy.

For more information see MassDevelopment’s Press Release