2022 was another year for the books! We celebrated, danced, created, built, networked, and were inspired. Here are some of our favorite moments from this past year!
Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival – February 2022
The Salem So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival is an annual tradition in Salem, Massachusetts a decadent tradition of delectable chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures, and Valentine’s Day shopping!
Groundwork Lawrence – February 2022
Creative Collective MA worked with Groundwork Lawrence to help transform their winter farmers market into a destination utilizing all local creators, vendors, and makers. The event hosted live music, beekeeping demonstrations, cooking demonstrations, and an art market.
Standing with Ukraine Through Film at CinemaSalem – March 2022
Cinema Salem hosted the first theatrical showing of The Guide on March 13, 2022. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Congressman Seth Moulton, Mayor Kim Driscoll, and Dr. Yuri Shevchuk of Columbia University were the headline speakers at the Cinema Salem premiere, which raised an initial $12,000.
Keeping it Reel at Salem Film Fest – March 2022
Keeping it Reel is a showcase for Massachusetts high school students to present their short documentary and experimental documentary films. This year, young filmmakers took the stage at CinemaSalem to discuss their films.
NAGLY Red Party – April 2022
In honor of NAGLY’s 30th Anniversary, they brought back the fabulous Red Party with an incredible headliner and dancing til’ midnight.
Take Back the Night March – April 2022
An in-person gathering for healing, advocacy, and awareness. The North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ+ Youth partnered with YWCA North Shore Rape Crisis Center and Younity for this gathering to commemorate Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Annadidathing paints a mural at the PEM PRIZE festival – May 2022
PEM hosted an indoor/outdoor street music festival with artists bringing their unique sound and visuals to PEM throughout the day.
The Forest River Park Public Art installation – May 2022
In September 2020 The Salem Public Art Commission put out a national call for a new artist design of an interactive splash pad and filter building facade at Forest River Outdoor Recreation & Nature Center. After public comment and thorough reviews, the Jury selected a place-making artist team: Louis Chinn (he/him) iand Huameng Yu (she/they). The artist team installed the elements earlier this year.
Salem Inclusive Pride Flag Raising – June 2022
Crowds gathered on a cloudy day in early June to raise inclusive pride flags over the city of Salem at Riley Plaza.
Puppets wander Salem Arts Festival – June 2022
The Salem Arts Festival is a Salem Main Streets and Creative Collective collaboration promotes arts in downtown Salem through a collaborative free festival.
Juneteenth Flag Raising – June 2022
The North Shore Juneteenth Association raises the Juneteenth flag in Lynn in June 2022.
Punto Urban Art Tour – June 2022
Located in “El Punto” Neighborhood in Salem, Mass, it features over 75 large scale murals by 30 world renowned and 25 local artists within a 3 block radius.
Salem Farmer’s Market Returns to Derby Square – June 2022
After a long hiatus, the Salem Farmer’s Market returned to its home in Derby Square this year!
United Lynn Pride at Lynn City Hall – June 2022
United Lynn Pride is organized by a small group of dedicated community members, artists, advocates, allies, leaders, and organizations.
Miz Diamond Wigfall at the North Shore Pride Parade and Festival – June 2022
The North Shore celebrated PRIDE in the sunshine this past June.
Salem Celebrates the Fourth – July 2022
A rainbow stretches over the stage during Salem Celebrates the Fourth.
Lawrence Festival of the Arts – July 2022
Lawrence Festival of the Arts provides an opportunity for community theaters and local artists of all disciplines and students to become more involved with local arts organizations and help transform a community through shared experiences in the arts.
Fiesta en La Calle – July 2022
On Saturday, July 16, 2022, Essex Art Center held its second annual Fiesta en la calle, a free block party on Island Street open to the community.
Lynn Summer Arts Festival – July 2022
Lynn celebrated its first ever Summer Arts festival this year!
Salem Jazz and Soul Festival – August 2022
The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival made a joyful noise this summer on Salem Common.
The Ice Scream Bowl takes over Salem Common – August 2022
Crowds filled the common with spoons ready for this year’s ice scream bowl. Volunteers were more than ready.
Lynn’s Second Annual Diversity Matters Festival – August 2022
In 2022, the Diversity Matters Festival came back to Red Rocks Park in Lynn and the organizers partnered with Save the Harbor Save the Bay, Marblehead School of Music, Creative Collective, and other community leaders to organize an event that included as many cultures as possible.
Summer Entertainment Series at North Shore Mall Promenade – August 2022
The Summer Entertainment Series took place on the stage located across from Tony C’s and featured entertainment, cultural events, live music, and more! For the 2022 entertainment season, Creative Collective curated fun and entertaining performances for the whole family.
Lynnside Out Festival – August 2022
“Bringing City Hall to Lynn!”
Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month Flag Raising – September 2022
Salem and North Shore Residents joined The City of Salem and the Latino Leadership Coalition of Salem for the annual Flag Raising celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month!
Peabody International Festival – September 2022
The Peabody International Festival is the largest festival of its kind and the signature event in Peabody for over 35 years. Dozens of civic organizations, nonprofits, local businesses, cultural groups, crafters and artisans line Downtown Peabody with delicious food and artwork inspired from places all around the world.
Haunted Happenings – October 2022
The world’s greatest halloweentown takes over downtown Salem every October.
Howl-o-ween Pet Costume Parade – October 2022
Salem went e dogs (and cats and lizards and bunnies) for the Salem Main Streets pet costume contest.
Santa’s Arrival in Salem – December 2022
Happy Holidays!
What is Creative Collective?
Creative Collective is a group of economic development strategists, small business supporters, activation specialists, and believers in the importance of the creative workforce. We foster growth, sustainability, and scalability for small businesses, creative thinkers, organizations, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Learn more and join Creative Collective at www.creativecollectivema.com/join
