#NonprofitNovember is highlighting Creative Collective’s nonprofit Business Members in a series of featured interviews. These short features will grant some insight into how these nonprofits have grown and developed through the years and how they plan to use what they’ve learned to further their respective missions in 2022.
This Holiday season, follow the hashtag #NonprofitNovember to learn more about the nonprofit organizations in the communities, and discover how to support their ongoing efforts in a meaningful way.
Interviewee: Aaron Tornberg, Director and Founder of One Broadway Collaborative.
What’s something you are proud of / something you achieved this year as an organization?
I am very proud of both the speed at which people have begun using this space for shows and I am also thrilled we are able to use grant money to outfit the space and building as needed for the Lawrence, MA music community.
Tell us a time that you saw your vision in action?
I have two stories of my vision in action. For me, the gratitude of musicians using the space is evidence that I am staying true to my mission of providing affordable space for musicians and artists to work, create, and perform.
I was contacted by an artist manager who asked about hosting a 14 year old singer songwriter at one of my events. She performed with two adult artists and really held her own! It was a great experience for all involved. I also invited her on my podcast, and have booked an event on November 18 to appear on WICN’s The Folk Revival with Nick Noble in Worcester, MA, an NPR affiliate radio station. She sent me a snoopy card thanking me for the opportunities and sent it by snail mail. This felt like success when I received that.
I was contacted by the partner of a man who had been coming to my open mics and was scheduled to come to play at a Songwriters in the Round event. She informed me that the day after his live performance was his birthday and that being in the show and performing with other musicians meant a great deal to him. He had been working on his performance and was excited for the event. She asked if there was a way to make the event more special. I suggested that we Livestream the show so she could watch. (She was unable to attend in person) and that we have her wish him a happy birthday on zoom after the performance. This was a moving and lovely event and I am proud I was able to help her realize that plan.
What is something unique about your organization?
I would like my followers to know that this space is a community space open for collaboration, performance, and education. We are able to teach music lessons, rent rehearsal, podcast, or recording space and help with production. We offer workshops for musicians and artists and we have opportunities for participation in the operation of this non-profit endeavor. We are different from other organizations because we provide an intimate, warm, venue that is focused on the music and listening to the artists share themselves.
Who is your organization for?
This organization is for musicians, artists, dancers, writers, and lovers of music, poetry, dance, and visual arts.
Where can people find out more about your organization and support its ongoing efforts?
http://onebroadway.org is the best way to find out what is currently happening in this hidden gem in Lawrence, MA. We also have accounts on Instagram – @1bcollaborative and http://facebook.com/1bcollaborative
Creative Collective’s 2021 #StayLocal Campaign
Initiative encourages community to shop small and support local small businesses this November and December
The approaching Holiday season is putting people in the shopping, eating, and drinking mood as small businesses across the North Shore are gearing up for the busiest time of the year. Following up the successful 2020 #StayLocal campaign, Creative Collective is launching #StayLocal2021, encouraging individuals to shop and support small this upcoming holiday season. Learn more.
