The Maine Arts Commission Announces its 2015 Creative Communities = Economic Development Grant Recipient

The Maine Arts Commission is pleased to announce that Schoodic Arts for All on behalf of Winter Harbor, Maine is the recipient of the 2015 Creative Communities = Economic Development (CCED) grant. This grant is designed to boost economic and community development through arts and culture in a Maine community or region.

The grant, in the amount of $75,000 over a three-year period, will assist Schoodic Arts for All in bringing more artists and programs to the community throughout the grant period. The CCED grant encourages cultural, economic and governmental sectors to work together to effect community development through the arts. The CCED review committee that recommended the award recognized that the arts are key to this community. It also recognized that the Winter Harbor area is now attracting resident artists, it has a high level of support from all of its partners, and the strong leadership provided by Mary Laury makes Schoodic Arts for All a mature and trusted presence in the community.

Maine Arts Commission Executive Director, Julie Richard noted that, “Winter Harbor is most deserving of this honor. The community made a conscious decision to keep the economy going through the arts when the military left the region many years ago. That decision has helped this area remain strong and viable, drawing new residents, tourists and development because of the strong arts presence in the area.”  This is the eighth CCED grant awarded by the Maine Arts Commission since the program began in 2010. 

The mission of Schoodic Arts for All is:

• To coalesce various artists and community members to develop an arts center providing year round cultural events and activities that hold value for residents of our community.

• To integrate various organizations in our community in order to explore and preserve our cultural heritage.
• To encourage participants of all ages to express themselves creatively and gain a lifelong appreciation for the arts and creative spirit.
• To celebrate creativity through a wide range of cultural workshops, events and performances.