Cover photo by Creative Collective for Salem Jazz and Soul Festival The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) operates a network of local cultural councils across the Commonwealth. These councils award funds to support community-based arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences activities. The program aims to promote and support cultural projects that benefit local communities. Important Note: While this guide focuses on the

Are you passionate about the arts and eager to make a difference in your community? MASSCreative, a leading advocate for the creative sector in Massachusetts, has exciting news for you. On August 21, 2024, they officially opened applications for their 2024-2025 Advocacy & Organizing Fellowship program. What is the Advocacy & Organizing Fellowship? This year-long, compensated leadership development program is

By Chris O’Keeffe and Creative Collective In our last piece unpacking the powerful insights of the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 report, we talked about the importance of locals at arts events.   (tl;dr the majority of arts event attendees are locals, and they’ll go elsewhere if their community doesn’t offer something to do.)  Now, let’s talk about the other half

by John Andrews/Creative Collective Photo by Christopher Padgett for Beverly Main Streets When we think about economic drivers, industries like technology, healthcare, or manufacturing often come to mind. However, a vibrant and impactful sector affects our daily lives and local economies in ways many don’t realize: the creative sector. From the music we listen to on our commutes to the

Mark your calendars for September 14th, 2024, when Salem, Massachusetts, will host the first-ever Moon over Salem festival. This one-day event will fill the historic downtown with music and art, showcasing local talent across the North Shore. Organized by MOON: Music Organizers of the Northshore, Moon over Salem builds on last year’s Hope Fest. It aims to offer more variety

Investing in Creativity: The Economic Benefits of Supporting the Arts.  By Chris O’Keeffe and Creative Collective Chris O’Keeffe is the founder of OK Creative: The Language Agency.  Have you checked out the recent Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 report? It’s a direct and clear articulation of the power and value of arts-based happenings and a vibrant creator community in our

The North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (NBCVB) held its 2022 Annual Meeting and Tourism Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, November 8 at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, MA.  Members, local chambers of commerce, destination marketing organizations, and tourism supporters in Essex County came together to honor colleagues who are making a difference as champions in the industry. “Bringing in

A New Opportunity for Lynn Creators: The Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of EmVision Production Studios in Lynn, MA Hosted by Creative Collective – images by Francois Studios; click through for the full set…  Introduction There was a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement in the air as community members, local leaders, and artists gathered in Lynn, MA, to celebrate the grand opening

In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of creative businesses, a solid marketing strategy is one key ingredient that can truly set them apart. 🚀 From boutique digital agencies to design studios and everything in between, the essence of creativity thrives on captivating minds and inspiring action. However, in today’s crowded marketplace, talent alone cannot propel a creative venture to the

As the brush strikes the canvas, as the ballet shoes glide over the stage, as the poet pens a heartfelt verse, so does the soul of a nation come alive. Art and culture are more than mere expressions of creativity—they are the threads that weave our lives’ rich tapestry. In a world often caught in the clutches of pragmatism and