community development

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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
June 20, 2025
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ART
Creative Collective Member Events

North Shore Art Scholarships: $3,500 Supporting Creative Futures

by John Andrews
Salem Arts Association‘s North Shore art scholarships are transforming young artists’ futures this spring. Furthermore, this respected organization awards $3,500 to graduating seniors pursuing careers in the visual and performing arts. Additionally, Salem Arts Association’s investments create lasting impacts on our region’s creative economy. Salem Arts Association: Champion of Creative Communities Salem Arts Association understands that creative talent drives economic
June 20, 2025
April 21, 2025
Featured image for “BIPOC Women Entrepreneurs Share Powerful Success Stories at Northshore CDC Event”
City of Salem
Salem

BIPOC Women Entrepreneurs Share Powerful Success Stories at Northshore CDC Event

by John Andrews
In a remarkable celebration of resilience, innovation, and community strength, the Northshore Community Development Coalition (Northshore CDC) hosted their annual “Stories Of Success Celebrating BIPOC Women Entrepreneurs” event on March 27, 2025. The gathering brought together seven extraordinary business leaders who shared their journeys, challenges, and visions for the future. Breaking Barriers and Building Tables Felicia, the first Black CEO
April 21, 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
August 25, 2024
Featured image for “The Hidden Economic Powerhouse: Why the Creative Sector Matters to Everyone”
Creative Economy

The Hidden Economic Powerhouse: Why the Creative Sector Matters to Everyone

by John Andrews
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
August 25, 2024