Gloucester New Arts Festival

Mission

As a coalition, seARTS cultivates Cape Ann’s position as a world-class center for working artists. Our members are committed to transforming Cape Ann’s economy by bridging its maritime heritage and a future powered by the arts.

History

Origins And The Need For seARTS

seARTS was initially formed in 2000 as a collaborative organization of artists and art organizations in order to explore the untapped opportunities in cultural economic development in Gloucester and Cape Ann. The vision for seARTS is attributed to JoAnn Castano, a local sculptor, who saw the need to build a coalition.

One of the first indicators of a missed cultural economic opportunity was described in the Americans for the Arts study.  The study reported that Gloucester was only at 25% of its potential for arts impact given its percentage of working artists. About the same time, Gloucester was in the midst of developing “Plan 2000” which required city planners to address key areas of growth including arts and culture.   It became apparent that Gloucester needed a designated group that could protect its own arts and cultural assets and enhance cultural economic development.

seARTS founders then seeded the ideas that resulted in the formation of the Gloucester Committee for the Arts.  Among its key roles was the important task of becoming a steward for the city’s public art possessions including the invaluable WPA murals on the walls of Gloucester City Hall.

Becoming a Non-Profit and the Growth of seARTS

Rose-Marie Glenn

seARTS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations may be tax deductible according to IRS rules.  seARTS received its non-profit status in 2003 and was awarded its first Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) grant in 2004. The seARTS’ iniative “Arts and Economic Development in Gloucester” received funding from 2004-2009 under the MCC’s John and Abigail Adams Grant, enabling seARTS to establish itself in the community. It became clear that although Gloucester was a centrifugal force on Cape Ann, seARTS would need to represent arts interests across Cape Ann in the towns of Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Essex. This greater vision was vital to seARTS’ growth and impact.

Recent History

Chris Williams

Since 2008, seARTS has reduced its dependence on grants and entered into a more aggressive fundraising effort from the community and sponsors. seARTS’ strength starts with individual and organizational membership, as both a source of cultural creativity and diversified membership income. seARTS continues to build relationships with the MCC through projects such as the Cultural District Initiative for which seARTS was a key local facilitator. seARTS is also deeply grateful for six years of funding from the Bruce J. Anderson Foundation which made programs such as the Partner with an Artist program possible.

The Future

Loren Doucette

seARTS will continue to reflect needs of the community and act as an incubator for arts and cultural initiatives. We will continue to showcase Cape Ann’s artistic assets and identify new artistic or creative opportunities.  In doing so, we will build Cape Ann’s reputation as a cultural center and arts destination. 

seARTS is grateful to the following founding members who shared their early vision and shaped our future: ArtsGloucester, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Cape Ann Symphony, the City of Gloucester, Gloucester Stage Company, Maritime Gloucester, Monserrat College of Art, North Shore Arts Association and the Rocky Neck Art Colony.