Published in the November 14, 2016 edition.
WAKEFIELD – If you live, work, shop or own a business in downtown Wakefield, the Board of Selectmen wants to know your vision for arts and culture downtown and especially along the Albion Street corridor.
Join the Town of Wakefield, the Albion Cultural Exchange Committee and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council for a special meeting to kick off the Albion Arts Corridor project, an arts and culture-focused economic development plan for downtown Wakefield. The meeting will take place on Thursday, Nov. 17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Galvin Middle School cafeteria; light refreshments will be served.
After reviewing a recently commissioned “general” market study of the downtown, Stephen P. Maio, the Town Administrator, observed: “Arts, Culture and Commerce are crucial to the long term viability of Wakefield and The Board of Selectmen hope that you take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the process of positioning the Town of Wakefield for success.”
The goal of the project is to build on the thriving cultural activity along Albion Street, to develop a vision for the future of the cultural community in Downtown Wakefield and to create a community-supported action plan with strategies to achieve that vision.
The kick-off meeting will offer opportunities to learn more about the project and participate in interactive activities. There will be a brief presentation about the project right at 7 p.m. followed by breakout sessions to gather feedback. MAPC staff, local artists and members of the Albion Cultural Exchange Committee will lead activities. There will also be the opportunity to participate in the creation of a piece of lasting public art.
All members of the community are invited and encouraged to attend.
Future opportunities to connect with the project include an online survey (coming soon!) and an interactive public participation activity coming to the Wakefield Holiday Stroll in December.
For questions or comments about the project, contact MAPC Chief Economic Development Planner Amanda Chisholm at 617-933-0736 or achisholm@mapc.org.
