Arts and cultural groups will light New Bedford’s path forward
We write as a unified group of leaders from downtown New Bedford’s organizations devoted to art, history, and culture located in the Seaport Cultural District. Since the beginning of this crisis, our primary thoughts have been centered on our community as we face this pandemic together. With unwavering concern for the well-being of our employees and our visitors, we closed our doors and suspended public in-person events in March. The health of our people and of this community came first.
We are in the business of connecting the community. Taken together, our programs, events, and exhibits are designed to create connections, foster deeper relationships, and enhance understanding. We hold a deep love for this city. Each of our organization’s purpose plays a role in lifting our creative core, celebrating our rich heritage, and helping our neighbors share their stories. We not only gather people together; we strengthen their bond with New Bedford.
In the eye of this storm, we have been working with agility and swiftness to pivot our offerings to virtual platforms and find new ways to engage our community. We remain vibrant and vital sources for learning, inspiration, and reflection.
In addition to being the heart and soul of the community, collectively our organizations infuse New Bedford with more than $29M annually in economic impact. We employ hundreds of citizens, hire countless contractors, and attract tens of thousands of people to the city each year. We are an economic engine and we will drive a diligent effort to bring New Bedford back. We are proud to assume our responsibility in reigniting the flame and know that our shared economic vitality is instrumental to our long-term resurgence
Eagerly awaiting the day that we open the city back up, we fervently accept our role in helping revitalize New Bedford’s future. The days, weeks, and years ahead are likely to bring numerous financial hardships and economic challenges, but we are invigorated knowing that our organizations will light the path —emotionally, creatively, and financially.
This letter was signed by 14 members of the community. They include: Lee Blake, President, New Bedford Historical Society; Amanda McMullen, President & CEO, New Bedford Whaling Museum; Keri Cox, Board President, 3rd EyE Youth Empowerment; Lindsay Miś, Executive Director, Massachusetts Design Art & Technology Institute (DATMA); Rosemary Gill, Executive Director, Zeiterion Performing Arts Center; Ashley Occhino, Executive Director, New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks!; Laura Orleans, Executive Director, New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center; Lee Heald, Director, AHA! New Bedford; Dave Prentiss, President and CEO, New Bedford Symphony Orchestra; Lawrence Jenkins, Dean of the College of Visual & Performing Arts, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth; Dawn E. Salerno, Executive Director, Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum; Margo Saulnier, Creative Strategist, New Bedford Creative; Jennifer Smith, Superintendent, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park; Fred Toomey, President, New Bedford Port Society.
•••
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal.
Click here to download the entire 5/28/20 issue: 05-28-20 MemorialDay
