Scituate Harbor Named Massachusetts Cultural District

Scituate Harbor Named Massachusetts Cultural District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:Paul Kulstis, paul@kukstis.com, 781-378-2564

or Bob Serino,rserino@gmail.com, 301-943-5775

On November 9, 2015, the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) approved the Town of Scituate’s application to have Scituate Harbor designated as the “Scituate Harbor Cultural District.” The new District becomes the 30^th Cultural District in the Commonwealth.  The MCC is a state agency that promotes excellence in access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contributes to the economic vitality of our communities. MCC encourages the building of more healthy, lively and vital communities through arts, sciences, and humanities and makes funds available to further these goals.

On July 21, 2015, the Board of Selectmen held a public meeting and voted unanimously to approve the filing of the application.  Following a site visit and a review of the application, the Harbor received the Cultural District designation. The Scituate Harbor Cultural District will extend from Front Street at St. Mary’s all the way along the harbor to the Lighthouse.

“The Town is very excited about yet another opportunity to showcase our community and the wonderful business, cultural and artistic programs, events and activities we offer year-round. The Selectmen are grateful for the work involved in submitting and securing this designation by local businesses and artisans”, stated Patricia Vinchesi, Scituate Town Administrator.

The Cultural District will be managed by six community partners and the Town of Scituate which have executed a Partnership Agreement that outlines the purpose of the partnership, membership, governance, duties, committees, finances, expenditures, and meeting structure. Partner agencies include: Scituate Harbor Business Association, Scituate Arts Association, Scituate Economic Development Commission, Scituate Cultural Council, Scituate Chamber of Commerce, and Scituate Historical Society. Going forward other individuals or organizations that want to support the efforts of the district may join.

The Town of Scituate will take the lead in managing the Partnership for the first two years.  Town Administrator, Patricia Vinchesi will serve as the Districts chair, however many aspects of the District’s activities and programs will be managed by other partners and members.   After the initial two-year period, the management of the Partnership will transition to the community partners. Coordination and collaboration among the partners is expected to be very regular.

Significant components of the Partnership include:

• Collaboration and communications with MCC including an annual report on activities.
• Annual goal setting for public participation in cultural activities within the district, and measure progress toward goals.
• Promotion and support of cultural activities and organizations within the district.
• Application for MCC grants and other financial resources to implement any Partnership-led district activities

Goals for the Scituate Harbor Cultural District include:

• Work with local government, local businesses, and the creative community to fulfill the cultural and economic potential of the Cultural District.
• Build awareness and appeal for the Town and the District through marketing to the tourism economy and neighboring towns as well as establishing appropriate literature and signage.
• Participate in Town and District events to raise visibility and encourage additional participants.
• Create connections with all Town of Scituate associations for additional support and visibility.
• Establish a Cultural District web presence and page on the Town of Scituate website.

“The Town and the Partnership look forward to using the Harbor District to develop additional activities for the community and at the same time encourage all of our citizens to join us in the effort, stated Paul Kukstis who assisted in the application process along with Bob Serino and Elizabeth Cranston.  “All ideas and suggestions to further the goals of the District are welcomed and encouraged.  Please get involved in communicating directly with the members of the partnership”.