The Northeast Arc has been awarded a $3,000 planning grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Adams Arts program.  The grant, announced at a State House reception on Tuesday, will support a project to promote Peabody’s downtown through its cultural heritage. 

“I am thrilled that the Massachusetts Cultural Council has provided this funding for a project that will benefit residents, businesses and cultural organizations in downtown Peabody.  Thank you to Northeast Arc for its ongoing commitment to the needs of disabled individuals in our community and its dedication to the cultural heritage of the region,” said Senate Majority Leader Frederick E. Berry (D-Peabody).

“I am very happy to congratulate the Northeast Arc and their project partners,” said State Representative John Keenan (D-Salem) who also serves as House Chair of the Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.  “This project has been recognized as outstanding by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and we should all take great pride in the fact that Peabody has such a vibrant collaborative providing cultural, educational and enriching experiences for our residents.”
The Northeast Arc is a 55-year-old nonprofit organization which supports children and adults with disabilities and their families.  They own a multi-purpose building at 22 Foster Street in downtown Peabody which houses their Heritage Chair Caning Company and their shredding and recycling businesses.  The Arc is converting the building’s lobby to serve as an art gallery.  Their ArcWorks! art program will hold inclusive community art classes at the site for residents with and without disabilities and host free exhibits which will be open to the public. 

“We’re proud to have been a part of the downtown neighborhood for the past three decades and look forward to playing a role in creating an even more culturally rich future for the area,” said Gerard L. McCarthy, Executive Director of the Northeast Arc. 

The Arc partnered with the City of Peabody, Peabody Access Telecommunications, the Peabody Art Association, the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce, the Peabody Historical Society, the Peabody Institute Library, Concept Art Services LLC and the Peabody Leatherworker’s Museum to form the Peabody Cultural Collaborative, which put forward the proposal.  The Collaborative is working to strengthen the emerging downtown cultural district to benefit local arts and historic organizations, residents and businesses. 

“Promoting arts and culture and promoting our downtown are keys to revitalizing our community.  I look forward to working with Northeast Arc and the project partners to implement the recommendations from the study.  This will be a great partnership for years to come,” said Mayor Michael Bonfanti. 

The Collaborative plans to showcase arts with a historic connection to the City of Peabody. They are exploring opportunities such as pairing cultural exhibits with restaurant promotions and business after-hours events. Painting, blacksmithing, chair caning, pottery and leatherwork are among the classes, demonstrations and exhibits being discussed.  The Adams Arts Planning Grant allowed the Arc to hire Jeanne Koles, a cultural sector consultant, who will coordinate focus groups with residents and businesses and conduct a city-wide survey to determine the most attractive timing and combination of activities.  The Collaborative’s efforts have received support from Congressman John Tierney, the Peabody Rotary Club and the Peabody Council on Aging. 
“Northeast Arc’s project recognizes the major role that creative arts and the industries that support it will play in Peabody’s future economic growth and prosperity,” Congressman John F. Tierney (D-MA) said. “With the help of this Adams Arts Planning Grant, Northeast Arc will be able to better engage artists and cultural organizations with local, state and federal economic development goals for a revitalized vibrant community.”