Creative Community Development Program

Creative Community Development Program Coordinator: Lisa Burk-McCoy
Lisa.M.Burk-McCoy@dncr.nh.gov  l  603-271-0794

The Creative Community Development Program is an investment in the people and communities of New Hampshire. Through funding, resources, cross-sector partnerships, and targeted initiatives, we work to ensure that the arts increase the social and economic strength of New Hampshire communities. We are committed to enriching New Hampshire neighborhoods with public art spaces, activities, and events that engage the public, stimulate our economy, bring vibrancy to our communities, and enhance quality of life for all New Hampshire citizens.

Funding and Programs

Arts for Community Engagement (ACE) project grants support community enrichment and public benefit by providing access to high quality arts performances, activities, and programs presented by community-based organizations, Main Street programs, and municipalities. The ACE grant awards up to $8,000 for selected projects occurring December 1, 2024 – November 30, 2025.  For the FY2025 grant cycle, the 1:1 match requirement is waived. The deadline to apply is June 28, 2024.

New England States Touring (NEST) grants fund public presentation and community engagement of New England artists performing within the region, or national or international artists performing in New England. This grant supports arts presenting organizations so they can broaden their artistic offerings and offer New England audiences access to performers who may not otherwise present in their home state. Award amounts and deadlines are variable, depending on the criteria for each of three NEST grant categories. NEST is a program of the New England Foundation for the Arts.

Partnerships and Collaborations

New Hampshire Creative Communities Network (NHCCN)
The New Hampshire Creative Communities Network (NHCCN) is a statewide consortium of local/regional arts councils, arts organizations, municipal arts commissions, Main Street programs, chambers of commerce, and economic development agencies. This cross-sector focus underscores the role the arts play across all facets of community and economic development. Through collaborative programming and presentations, NHCCN provides information, education, and support to strengthen and promote economic and community development across New Hampshirethrough the arts, artists, and creative industries. Participants may engage in information-sharing and network-building by subscribing to the listserv (Arts Satellite Notices) and by joining the NHCCN Facebook group. 

Take a look at the Round[the]Table Creative Placemaking Companion! This fun and approachable booklet is an artistic interpretation of NHCCN’s Round[the]Table events. Created in collaboration with artist Marek Bennett, it includes resources you can link to for how-to information and examples of creative placemaking projects happening in N.H.

New Hampshire Makerspace Network
Makerspaces support and serve creative entrepreneurs and emerging businesses that foster innovation in our communities and contribute to our local and statewide creative economies. The Arts Council founded the New Hampshire Makerspace Network in 2019 in recognition of the important role makerspaces play in support of creative entrepreneurs and small businesses. NHSCA hosts monthly meetings and maintains a vigorous communications network for Network participants. These serve as the foundation for a robust exchange of ideas and resources, helping to strengthen makerspace businesses and expand opportunities for small businesses, residents, and communities in New Hampshire.   

New Hampshire Arts Commission Peer Exchange
The N.H. Arts Commission Peer Exchange invites Arts Commission members come together to share ideas, experiences, strategies, and opportunities for impact as part of a statewide community of peers. This mutually supportive exchange helps to deepen Art Commission work to promote a lively statewide environment and economy through public artwork, community arts activities, artist support, and placemaking.  

Creative Economy Resources

CreativeGround is a New England-wide database of artists, creative organizations, and other participants in the region’s creative economy. This free, crowd-sourced resource enables people and businesses working with and within the creative economy to identify, connect with, and share opportunities within the arts. For arts commissions and other arts service entities, CreativeGround acts as a creative asset map to help you identify and showcase the creative businesses in your community. A program of the New England Foundation for the Arts.

Arts & Cultural Production Satellite Account (2022)

Arts & Economic Prosperity 6, Americans for the Arts (2023)
National Report
New Hampshire Reports

The Jobs in New England’s Creative Economy and Why They Matter, New England Foundation for the Arts (2017)

Research, Resources, and Best Practices

The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts maintains a curated Creative Community Development Resource List. (pdf)

Last updated: March 26, 2024