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Creative County is proud to support our local arts and culture community.

 

This work...

  • CREATES a regional voice for arts, culture and creative expression in Essex County.
  • PROMOTES transformative community and economic development.
  • ELEVATES arts and cultural experiences that celebrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and access across communities.
  • INVESTS in artists and the creative economy in an environment of rapidly changing demographics.
  • CELEBRATES Essex County as a vibrant place to live, work, create and collaborate.

NEWS AND INFORMATION

Craft Your Own Salt Marsh Dory: A Unique Boatbuilding Experience Returns to Essex

Are you ready to embark on a journey that combines craftsmanship, history, and the thrill of creating something with your own hands? Look no further! The Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum is bringing back its wildly popular Salt Marsh Dory Building...
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THREAD: Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay Celebrates 25 Years of Artistic Innovation

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Newburyport, Massachusetts, Maudslay State Park is set to host its 25th annual outdoor sculpture exhibition. This year's theme, "THREAD," has inspired 49 talented artists to weave together a tapestry of creativity, storytelling,...
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Irise Dance Project at Izizwe Dance Studio: Empowering Lawrence’s Youth Through Dance

Creative County proudly highlights the Irise Dance Project, an innovative initiative rooted in Izizwe Dance Studio in Lawrence, MA. This project, led by seasoned dance artists and educators Amy and Mcebisi Xotyeni, is making waves by providing exceptional dance...
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Exciting Changes at Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestra

New Leadership for 2024-2025 Season For nearly three decades, the Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras (NMYO) has been a cornerstone of musical education and performance for young musicians in our region. NMYO is more than just an after-school program; it's a...
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Sea Change: Transforming Our Eco-Future – A Powerful Art Exhibition

An artistic revolution is taking place in the picturesque coastal town of Newburyport, Massachusetts. The PEG Center for Art & Activism has launched its fourth annual environmental art exhibition, "Sea Change: Transforming our Eco-Future." This thought-provoking...
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Cape Ann Artisans Tour: Calling for New Talent

After 40 years of connecting art lovers with local artists, the Cape Ann Artisans Tour is expanding! We're seeking fresh talent to join our esteemed group and help revitalize our beloved tour. Who We Are Cape Ann Artisans is a diverse collective of creators,...
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Julia Csekö’s “Transcending Borders” on Salem’s Artists’ Row

A Celebration of Immigrant Stories Funded by Creative County 📸 @deborahjkarsonphotography Somerville artist Julia Csekö’s moving installation, “Transcending Borders,” is now on display at Salem’s Artists’ Row. This impactful project, funded by the Creative County...
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Fiesta en la Calle: A Celebration of Art and Culture in Lawrence

Mark your calendars for a day of vibrant art, music, and community spirit! Essex Art Center is thrilled to announce its fourth annual block party, Fiesta en la Calle, on Saturday, July 13, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. This free event promises a colorful showcase of...
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Celebrating Youth Creativity: compARTimos Event Recap at La House

On June 13, La House in Lawrence, MA, came alive with creativity and community spirit as the compARTimos team showcased the incredible work of local youth. Funded by the Creative County Initiative Partnership Grant, this event highlighted the power of art in sharing...
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Transforming Transit: NEA Grant Boosts Arts and Culture in Essex County

We are thrilled to announce that the National Endowment for the Arts has awarded a $125,000 “Our Town” grant to the Essex County Community Foundation's Creative County Initiative, Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, and Merrimack Valley Transit. This generous grant...
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Learn more about what Creative County has to offer...

Your source for local arts, culture, and creativity.

Learn about the creative work happening in Essex County and learn about the people and organizations in our creative ecosystem.

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Public art & creative placemaking grants

Funding for new, collaborative placemaking and public art projects.

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Cultural planning

Engaging communities in municipal planning that is inclusive of arts and culture.

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Capacity building

Opportunities for artists, arts leaders and culture organizations to further their missions, compete in our creative economy, and deepen their community-centered work.

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Convenings

Bringing all parts of the sector together to learn, network, inspire and thrive as one united ecosystem. 

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Communications and connectivity

Helping artists and organizations reach new audiences, grow financial support and connect with each other.

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Videos

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Art is
essential.

"Art inspires us. It spurs us to innovate and drives us to imagine the impossible. Culture grounds us. It connects us to our past, brings us together, and lifts us up."

- ECCF Executive Director Beth Francis

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The work of Creative County ...

  • CREATES a regional voice for arts, culture and creative expression in Essex County.
  • PROMOTES transformative community and economic development.
  • ELEVATES arts and cultural experiences that celebrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and access across communities.
  • INVESTS in artists and the creative economy in an environment of rapidly changing demographics.
  • CELEBRATES Essex County as a vibrant place to live, work, create and collaborate.