Cottage Street Cultural District in Easthampton wins 'placemaking' grant

Photo Credit: The Wagner Family, Easthampton Historical Society

EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton City Arts+, under the leadership of director Burns Maxey, continues to find innovative sources of funding to support arts and culture in this small city, especially within its Cottage Street Cultural District.
The group announced two new grants this week — one from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and another from the National Association of Realtors® through its local branch.
The "placemaking micro-grant" was made through the Realtor® Association of the Pioneer Valley. It will fund $2,200 for a new public art project at the Promenade Park at Nashawannuck Pond. The arts organization will release a request for proposals in February for an interactive art project.
A $5,000 matching grant from the state will boost projects within the Cottage Street Cultural District, including the third annual Winterfest (Feb. 13), public art, and other programs. The grant is part of $150,000 awarded statewide for designated cultural districts.
Easthampton's Cottage Street Cultural District was one of the first cultural districts to be recognized by the state. It's billed as place where visitors can find "down-to-earth funkiness" and an eclectic array of shops, galleries, and nightlife.
Easthampton City Arts+ was formed in 2005, and works to integrate arts, culture and community while revitalizing and protecting the city's cultural assets.

Mary Serreze can be reached at mserreze@gmail.com