Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
Using case studies from local communities, an MMA webinar on June 11 explored how to transform surplus municipal buildings into creative economy and artist spaces. Speakers included (top row l-r) Mass Cultural Council Program Director Jay Paget, Harwich Cultural Affairs Director Kara Mewhinney, Miranda Cook, program officer of the Cultural Facilities Fund; (bottom row l-r) CitySpace President Burns Maxey (Easthampton), Mother Brook Arts and Community Center Executive Director Erin Becker and former Dedham select board member Paul Reynolds.
Using case studies from local communities, an MMA webinar on June 11 explored how to transform surplus municipal buildings into creative economy and artist spaces.
Jay Paget, program director of the Mass Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund, led a conversation with representatives from three municipalities about their projects:
• Harwich Cultural Affairs Director Kara Mewhinney (The 204 Cultural Arts Municipal Building in Harwich)
• CitySpace President Burns Maxey (Easthampton)
• Mother Brook Arts and Community Center Executive Director Erin Becker (Dedham)
In these municipalities, surplus school buildings or former town halls were adapted into community buildings focused on arts and creativity.
These initiatives aim to “revitalize the historic property through the activation of space by really lifting up the arts,” Maxey said.
Panelists discussed the process, including the redevelopment decision, timelines, operating costs, and other issues. Paget emphasized the essential role that municipalities played in these projects, “whether they end up operating it, like Kara does in Harwich, or whether they incentivize the 501(c)(3) [nonprofit] to be formed.”
The session offered tips for effective risk management when adapting vacant buildings, including insurance considerations.
Attendees are eligible to receive 1.25 hours of AICP Continuing Education credits with the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association.
Miranda Cook, program officer of the Cultural Facilities Fund, moderated 25 minutes of questions and answers, addressing inquiries regarding funding opportunities, adapting buildings designated as historic, and accessibility.
• CitySpace Old Town Hall Restoration & Activation Easthampton presentation (15M PDF)
• Mother Brook Arts & Community Center presentation (13M PDF)
• Harwich Cultural Arts Municipal Building presentation (1.4M PDF)