Maine Arts Commission News

Spreading the message throughout Maine
Message from John Rohman, Commission Chair

This has been an extremely active time period on the travel circuit, mainly with the Creative Economy. From Presque Isle to Portland and Eastport to the western mountains, we have been active bringing the Maine Arts Commission's message throughout the great State of Maine. Coupled with discussions about Maine's Creative Economy, we have been to over a dozen Maine communities. Not only has it been rewarding, it has also been eye-opening. In Presque Isle, Don Cyr and I discussed the potential that exists to develop markets with our Canadian neighbors. This has been talked about on numerous occasions. We need to begin acting upon this market opportunity. With the Canadian dollar gaining strength, this extremely viable option needs to be engaged by working to eliminate existing barriers to this economic opportunity. In Eastport, a similar market exists with our Canadian neighbors. Similar issues exist all over the state.

While all our travels were interesting, the trip that was to be the most informative, for me, was the one to Eastport. Thanks to an extended invitation from Jean Wilhelm, I was able to arrange two meetings and participate in additional dialogue over meals. I learned that Eastport is small geographically, just a few square miles in size, with only 1,600 residents. It's also an island! This reminded me of a similar trip I recently made to the Lewiston-Auburn area. While visiting there, an overnight stay gave me a better sense of the community and the daily vitality. Being able to have an extra day in Eastport gave me a much better sense of that town's daily activity. I had a wonderful afternoon meeting and discussion with a group of like-minded arts enthusiasts at the Tides Institute. Director Hugh French has done a great job developing dialogue within the group and this in turn has created new opportunities with an organization that is extremely active. The group has a strong membership and collective mind set, with a strong commitment to the development of the arts.

In the evening, our public meeting with the city council had to compete with a basketball game next door. Potentially, what could have been a losing proposition ended up with a full complement of city councilors and 50 citizens in attendance. We had a wonderful and productive discussion about Maine's Creative Economy, the Maine Arts Commission and how they can have a positive impact on a community, similar to the success experienced in Bangor.

When one considers Eastport's small size, coupled with the vitality that exists concerning the arts, it's easy to leave there feeling excited. Taking a look at the schedule for Stage East, seeing the great things happening with the Eastport Art Gallery and hearing talk about the various concerts in the area is exhilarating. In addition, we can add the Tides Institute to the list, as well as the official opening of a wonderful, newly renovated community building in the downtown called "The Commons" (opening May 1, 2004) to the list of attractions. The arts are thriving in Eastport!

Thanks again to everyone for their help in making this a great story of arts development and community prosperity with help from Maine's Creative Economy.

Looking forward to seeing you all at the conference in May.

John M. Rohman
Chair