Dedham Arts Nonprofit Launches Commonwealth Places Campaign for Vibrant "Second Act" at Former Dedham Elementary School
$50,000 goal to win matching grant through MassDevelopment’s Commonwealth Places Initiative
May 22, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Kelsey Abbruzzese, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2086 & 617-448-9077 (cell)
kabbruzzese@massdevelopment.com
Jonathan Berk, Patronicity, 617-750-6008
jonathan@Patronicity.com
Jean Ford Webb, Mother Brook Arts & Community Center, 978-505-2011
jean.fordwebb@motherbrookarts.org
MassDevelopment and the civic crowdfunding platform Patronicity have launched a new Commonwealth Places campaign with the Mother Brook Arts and Community Center (MBACC), a nonprofit created to employ arts, culture and creativity to drive economic development, revitalization, and enrichment of surrounding neighborhoods. The campaign will convert the gym at the former Avery School in Dedham – MBACC’s home – into the new Mother Brook Arts and Community Center Performance Center. This space, where generations of elementary school children pledged allegiance, learned to play dodgeball, held assemblies, and had their first dance lessons has always been at the heart of the community. This new use will continue the building’s role as a community destination for years to come.
“Institutions like MBACC make up the important cultural fabric of the Commonwealth and are key in driving the Massachusetts creative economy,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss. “This campaign will provide a vibrant neighborhood arts venue in Dedham, attracting visitors and residents alike to this community gathering place.”
If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by June 28 at midnight, the project will win a matching grant with funds from MassDevelopment’s Commonwealth Places program. Learn more and donate at patronicity.com/MBACC.
“This opportunity to enhance our Performance Center will enable us to attract first-rate talent—concerts, comedians, dance, theater, film. With a seating capacity of over 500, MBACC is a unique venue and a huge plus for the community,” said Jean Ford Webb, MBACC Executive Director.
Commonwealth Places is a collaborative initiative from MassDevelopment and Patronicity that leverages public support for placemaking projects through crowdfunding and a matching grant from MassDevelopment. The program engages residents in the development of strategic projects in their towns and cities. In June 2017, MassDevelopment announced $1 million in funding for the second year of the program, which has supported successful campaigns across the Commonwealth, from Northampton to Hyannis. Communities, nonprofits, and other entities can learn more about these successful projects, donate to ongoing campaigns, and apply at massdevelopment.com/commonwealthplaces.
MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2017, MassDevelopment financed or managed 377 projects generating investment of more than $4.3 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create about 9,488 jobs and build or rehabilitate 1,863 residential units.
