Fall River and New Bedford art communities are thriving with engaging art installations, well-appointed museums – both new and old, burgeoning artist communities, and an incredible creative vibe. Our Creative SouthCoast Initiative supports these efforts and works with a host of talented organizations and individuals to continue moving these efforts forward. Two of them are Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition (FRACC) and New Bedford Creative (NB Creative). Along with the Community Foundation, they share the same mission of elevating arts in the region and providing support where needed. These organizing bodies created and are now implementing strategic plans in their cities. As a result, the economic development, improved social infrastructure, and rich art experiences are getting noticed throughout the region and beyond by tourists, funders, and enthused residents.
Today, we wanted you to get to know New Bedford Creative and Margo Saulnier, its Creative Strategist, a little bit better. NB Creative is an umbrella organization for the city’s arts and culture planning initiative, guided and shaped by a 24-member Creative Consortium. Their website is a fabulous hub of resources for artists and visitors. You can find everything from available grants and a creative directory to an event calendar and walking tour maps that highlight public art experiences throughout the city’s cultural districts.
In addition to implementing the city’s arts and culture plan, strategist Saulnier oversees the volunteer-led Consortium and administers two grant programs called Wicked Cool Places and Art is Everywhere. Among many other duties, she also manages the Seaport Cultural District and Seaport Art Walk and is the lead project manager for MassDevelopment’s TDI Creative Cities initiative. Prior to leading NB Creative, Margo was immersed in producing and programming over 4,000 live shows at the Boston Pops and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. She grew up in New Bedford and earned a music degree from Boston University and a Master of Fine Arts from Brooklyn College. In her free time (although clearly, she does not have much!), she enjoys spending time with her husband, musician Scott Bishop, daughters Perri and Dezzi, two cats, and a dog.
If you want to know what’s happening in the New Bedford art and culture scene, you must get to know Margo, and we encourage you to sign up for their newsletter! Stay tuned for our May blog to learn more about FRACC.