People, places, events, and ideas shaping Essex County—reported and shared by Creative Collective. Search the archive or start with a story path below.

January 16, 2026
Featured image for “Big Feelings, Real Anger, and Why These Moments Matter”
Beverly
Creative Collective Events

Big Feelings, Real Anger, and Why These Moments Matter

by John Andrews
On Thursday morning, over 100 small business owners, nonprofit leaders, artists, and community builders packed into the basement of The Bower in Beverly. What started as a simple gathering became something much bigger. A room full of people chose connection over isolation, community over fear, and each other over going it alone. Honestly? We needed it. Why Does the Essex
January 16, 2026
September 5, 2025
Featured image for “Coffee, Capital, and Human Change: What Happens When We Dare to Reimagine Community Support.”
Creative Advocacy Series
Creative Collective Events

Coffee, Capital, and Human Change: What Happens When We Dare to Reimagine Community Support.

by John Andrews
The energy in the Peabody Essex Museum‘s atrium on September 4 was unique. Furthermore, it was not the polite enthusiasm of typical morning panels, but the electric charge of people recognizing transformative change. As leaders gathered for Creative Capital: Investing in Community, organized by PEM in partnership with Creative Collective, they weren’t just discussing programs. Indeed, they were witnessing how
September 5, 2025
August 7, 2025
Featured image for “Photo Gallery – Sweet Community Connections at the Salem Ice Scream Bowl”
Creative Collective Events
Creative Collective Member

Photo Gallery – Sweet Community Connections at the Salem Ice Scream Bowl

by John Andrews
  Sometimes the most meaningful moments happen over the simplest pleasures. Last night’s Salem Ice Scream Bowl on Salem Common presented by Salem Main Streets was one of those perfect summer evenings that remind us why we love this community so much. As families spread blankets on the grass and neighbors caught up in line, we watched something beautiful unfold
August 7, 2025
June 26, 2025
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City of Salem
Creative Collective Events

North Shore LGBTQ Business Owners Build Thriving Community

by John Andrews
The North Shore’s creative economy is thriving, and North Shore LGBTQ business owners are at the forefront, exemplifying authentic leadership that transforms entire communities. When we gathered seven remarkable entrepreneurs from Salem and Beverly for a recent Queer Voices Panel, their stories revealed something powerful: living your truth doesn’t just create successful businesses—it builds the inclusive, vibrant communities we all
June 26, 2025
April 15, 2025
Featured image for “Massachusetts Creative Economy Leaders Unite with Lawmakers to Address Support Gap”
Arts and Culture Advocacy Series
Creative Advocacy Series

Massachusetts Creative Economy Leaders Unite with Lawmakers to Address Support Gap

by John Andrews
Yesterday morning, Creative Collective had the honor of co-hosting a Legislative Networking Breakfast with the Peabody Essex Museum. The breakfast brought together cultural leaders and elected officials from across our region for a vital conversation about the creative economy in Massachusetts, focusing on community support and civic engagement. The Massachusetts creative economy faces unique challenges that require dedicated advocacy and
April 15, 2025
January 22, 2025
Featured image for “The Creative After-Glow: Creative Collective Community Award Winners”
Creative Collective Events

The Creative After-Glow: Creative Collective Community Award Winners

by John Andrews
Banner image by Monsters of Salem, backdrop by Grace & Diggs and awards by 3Dazzle Creations.  Creative Collective Community Awards At Creative Collective, we’ve always believed that true community magic happens when we gather to celebrate each other’s achievements. On January 21st, 2025, against the backdrop of the beautifully transformed Northshore CDC space, we did precisely that – honoring ten
January 22, 2025
October 6, 2024
Featured image for “Salem Haunted Happenings 2024. It’s Alive!”
City of Salem
Creative Collective Events

Salem Haunted Happenings 2024. It’s Alive!

by John Andrews
Welcome, witches, warlocks, and mortals alike! The 42nd Annual Salem Haunted Happenings is upon us, and this year, we’re inviting you to “Keep Salem Magical” with an enchanting array of events, markets, and spine-tingling experiences. As the organizers of the Haunted Happenings Marketplace, we’re thrilled to give you a peek behind the veil at what’s in store for this bewitching
October 6, 2024
January 4, 2022
Featured image for “January Events Calendar Announced by The Cabot”
Beverly
Creative Collective Events

January Events Calendar Announced by The Cabot

by Felicia Cheney
The Cabot brings in 2022 with a great line-up. Filmed earlier this year in Beverly, The Tender Bar will be shown daily on the big screen through Jan. 6. Bring the family for a fast-paced, interactive, hilarious show by Mario The Maker Magician on Saturday, Jan. 8 as part of its “Kids at The Cabot” series. On Jan. 15, get
January 4, 2022
December 20, 2021
Featured image for “The Year in Photos: Resilience, Connection, and Creativity with Creative Collective”
Creative Collective Events
PHOTOS

The Year in Photos: Resilience, Connection, and Creativity with Creative Collective

by joeyphoenix
All Photos Copyright Creative Collective 2021. You inspired us this year with your resilience and creativity. We saw so many opportunities for connection, initiatives for community building and support, and the creation of some incredible pieces of art. So we are thrilled and excited to showcase some of our favorite moments of 2021: Salem Welcomes Odd Meter Coffee to Washington
December 20, 2021
June 16, 2021
Featured image for “IN THE HEIGHTS Screening and Performance at Cinema|Salem – PHOTOS”
Creative Collective Events
PHOTOS

IN THE HEIGHTS Screening and Performance at Cinema|Salem – PHOTOS

by joeyphoenix
Images by Creative Collective The newly reopened Cinema Salem in Salem’s downtown district hosted a special screening of IN THE HEIGHTS, from the creator of HAMILTON and the director of CRAZY RICH ASIANS on Saturday, June 12th. The screening was accompanied by a themed performance from North Shore Latinx-led performance troupe Cojuelous Productions, who partnered with Creative Collective for the
June 16, 2021