‘Building Creative Communities’ Webinar Explores Ways to Support Creative Community Development in Maine 

The Maine Arts Commission (MAC) invites you to a webinar and virtual information session, “Building Creative Communities,” to learn how municipalities can play a vital role in nurturing and sustaining cultural vibrancy within their communities through the new Creative Communities Grant. This grant aims to support arts and cultural projects that enhance livability, economic development, and social connection through creative placemaking. 

This grant is part of MAC’s recently published five-year Strategic Plan, which reflects feedback from artists and organizations emphasizing the need for more community-building support. The grant also focuses on making art accessible to the public and preserving Maine’s rich cultural identity. 

The Creative Communities Grant provides funding of up to $7,000 with a 1-to-1 matching requirement. Eligible applicants include cultural organizations, schools, municipalities, and tribal entities. MAC particularly encourages applications from historically under-resourced and underrepresented communities. 

Upcoming Webinar and Information Session: 

Join us for an overview of the mission, vision, and impact of Maine Arts Commission as well as the new 'Creative Communities Grant' and how it can be used to support new or existing arts-based projects that benefit the public. We will speak with two community leaders who will highlight how communities are using the arts in building, maintaining, and strengthening the social fabric of their communities in Maine: 

·             Luke Dyer, Town Manager of Van Buren, has dedicated his career to community revitalization through the arts, including innovative projects like the Acadian Passage silhouette art and LED lighting project. 

·             Cara Romano, Executive Director of Heart of Ellsworth, is a non-profit leader passionate about community building and economic development, successfully guiding Ellsworth to become Maine's eleventh Main Street community. 

Event: Building Creative Communities 

·             Date & Time: January 8th, 1:00 PM 

·             Panelists: 

o    Luke Dyer, Town Manager of Van Buren 

o    Cara Romano, Executive Director of Heart of Ellsworth 

RSVP for the Virtual Session HERE 

Grant Application Details 

·             Opens: February 12, 2025 

·             Closes: March 19, 2025 

How to Learn More 

For more information on the grant and upcoming in-person sessions, visit: 
www.mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Funding/Creative-Communities-Grant-2026 

Stay informed by signing up for the MAC e-newsletter and visiting the Maine Arts Commission’s website. For questions regarding the Creative Communities Grant and Information Sessions, contact Danielle Moriarty at danielle.moriarty@maine.gov. Stay up to date with the Maine Arts Commission. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about new grant opportunities, important deadlines, upcoming programs, valuable resources, and much more.