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CAMPAIGN FOR
MEETINGHOUSE
ARTS
Meetinghouse Arts will serve as a cultural anchor of Freeport’s
downtown. Once funding is raised and renovations are completed, the
cultural center will provide performance and presentation opportunities
for local and state-wide artists and organizations, establish gallery space
to exhibit and experience visual art and educational exhibits, and create
economic vitality in Greater Freeport.
Arts & Cultural
Alliance of Freeport
MEETINGHOUSE ARTS: RENOVATIONS NEEDED + USES
Meetinghouse Arts will include a performance/presentation venue in the existing sanctuary space, with approximately 200
seats, a green room, and professional grade lighting and audio fixtures; plus an adjacent gallery/exhibit space, comprising
a large flexible display area for visual art and/or educational displays, which can also be used for meetings and
workshops.
The existing space within First Parish Church brings many attractive features, including stunning architecture, ideal
acoustics, and ample seating. However, to make the venue suitable for a wide variety of cultural uses, construction plans
include remodeling the gallery space, constructing a stage and wings, installing professional lighting and audio systems,
and creating window coverings that will block light and sound while still allowing access to the historic stained glass
panels. Construction will also include upgrading access to bathrooms, installing ADA-accessible ramps, and improving
egress to and from the building, both for audience members and production crews.
BUILDING UPDATES
Construction needed for modernization and
to allow sharing of space
ADA-accessible bathroom(s)
Increased building security
Improved egress / entrance to the building
Ramp construction / ADA accessibility
GALLERY
Flexible gallery space for visual art and
displays
Wall reconfiguration
Lighting system
Cosmetic updates
Art hanging fixtures
Community art showcases
Student art shows
Professionally curated art exhibitions
Educational and/or historical displays
Events, workshops, gatherings
SPACE
PERFORMANCE HALL
~200 seat capacity with professional
lighting and sound equipment
PRIMARY RENOVATIONS
Stage construction
Lighting equipment
Audio system
Window coverings
Green room construction
EXAMPLE USES
Freeport Players
Greater Freeport Community Chorus
Regional touring acts
Lectures and author talks
School performances
MEETINGHOUSE ARTS: PICTURE THIS
MEETINGHOUSE ARTS EXTERIOR
Picture the historic building at 40 Main Street as a hub for arts, culture, and community events in
Downtown Freeport. New external signage, encompassing both the Meetinghouse Arts and First Parish
Church, combined with the central location, will make the center a highly visible destination for residents
and visitors alike.
Photography credit Dennis Landis
MEETINGHOUSE ARTS: PICTURE THIS
GALLERY
Cosmetic updates, track lighting, and
subtle reconfigurations of existing
walls allow for wall and floor-anchored
artwork and displays.
Preliminary artist concept drawings; not finalized architectural renderings
Artist credit Nora Tyron
PERFORMANCE HALL
A mid-sized presentation venue for
live music, theater, lectures, author
readings, and more. Versatile staging
and drapery allow use for church
services and performances on the
same day.
ONE VENUE | MANY USES
Meetinghouse Arts will be a multi-use, multi-user arts and cultural center in the heart of downtown Freeport that will be
affordable to rent and provide the types of spaces the town currently lacks. It will bring arts and cultural activity to Main Street
to engage residents and visitors and will be a key component in the Town’s effort to diversify and re-energize the downtown.
COMMUNITY VENUE FOR LOCAL ARTISTS AND GROUPS
Meetinghouse Arts will offer much-needed performance space for community
groups and local artists:
175-seat performance venue for local theater and musical groups to rent,
including lighting and sound equipment
Exhibit space available for use by local artist cooperatives, historical and heritage
organizations, and for ACAF-sponsored exhibitions, providing a much-needed
platform for local artists to show and sell work
Projector, screen, sound system, and ideal acoustics and setting for lectures,
presentations, author talks, etc. that require more seating than currently
available venues
Downtown location on Main Street brings the plethora of local art and culture
into the public domain
TOURING VENUE FOR REGIONAL AND NATIONAL ARTISTS
As a sought-after mid-sized venue, Meetinghouse Arts will be a desirable stop for regional and national acts touring New
England. The unique, historic building and ideal acoustics will complement the professional fixtures and equipment,
establishing Freeport as a cultural destination in Southern Maine.
SPACE FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
With strong community feedback, the Freeport Cultural Plan identifies a clear priority
to create and strengthen opportunities for our region’s youth. Meetinghouse Arts will:
Create opportunities to connect working artists with Freeport’s youth via
workshops and talks
Present student artwork in a gallery setting and house student performances
Offer youth the opportunity to speak about their work and engage with spectators
outside of a school setting
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZAT ION
Meetinghouse Arts enriches Main Street, downtown Freeport, and the region by:
Distinguishing Freeport for the rich layer of opportunities and experiences available
here
Broadening Freeport’s appeal to both potential residents and visitors
Connecting the community with its local talent
Supporting the local tax base by contributing to a vibrant downtown desirable to
business and cultural investment
Attracting tourism dollars to existing local businesses, e.g. restaurants, retail, and
hotels
“FREEPORT IS LOADED WITH
ARTS AND ARTISTS. ART IS ALL
AROUND US. THE ARTS CENTER
WILL BRING THE ARTS HOME TO
A DOWNTOWN LOCATION
ACCESSIBLE TO THE MAKERS
AND CREATORS OF ART, THE
STUDENTS AND TEACHERS OF
ART, AND TO ALL THE VISITORS
AND ALL OUR RESIDENTS FOR
WHOM THE CREATIVE ARTS
OFFER A PATHWAY TO A BETTER
QUALITY OF LIFE.
THE ARTS CENTER ISN’T JUST
FOR ARTISTS, IT’S FOR ALL OF
US, AND THAT’S WHY AS ONE
MEMBER OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
I WANT THIS CAMPAIGN TO
SUCCEED.’
Tawni Whitney
Town Councilor At Large,
Town of Freeport
“THE DEVELOPMENT OF
AN ARTS AND CULTURAL VENUE
RIGHT ON MAIN STREET IS AN
IMPORTANT STEP IN ENHANCING THE
EXPERIENTIAL NATURE OF OUR
DOWNTOWN, WHICH IS A CRITICAL
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOAL
FOR FREEPORT.”
Keith McBride
Executive Director,
Freeport Economic Development Corporation
THE COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN
ACAF needs your help to complete a $400,000 comprehensive campaign to fund the construction and renovations needed in
First Parish Church, and to fund the first year of operating and programming expenses to create a vibrant Meetinghouse Arts.
Town of Freeport TIF
$133,000
Private Donors
$150,000
Business Community
$150,000
Community Fundraising
$50,000
Grants$50,000
CAMPAIGN SOURCES
Meetinghouse Arts
Construction$395,000
Staffing and Operating
Costs$123,000
Programming Costs
$15,000
USE OF FUNDS
A “comprehensive” campaign raises
funds needed not only for construction
(“capital”) costs, but also for the
organization’s operating and
programming budget.
These include expenses such as a staff
person’s salary, utilities like heat and
snow removal, and costs of ACAF
programs such as printing and
advertising, instructor wages, and
performance booking fees.
ACAF is raising $400,000 for a
comprehensive campaign to ensure
that investment in Meetinghouse Arts
doesn’t end when construction
finishes. The comprehensive campaign
funds the first year of operating costs
to create a vibrant—and sustainable—
Meetinghouse Arts.
WHAT IS A
COMPREHENSIVE
CAMPAIGN?
GENESIS OF MEETINGHOUSE ARTS
2015
THE ARTS & CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF FREEPORT
(ACAF) IS INCORPORATED AS A 501c(3) NON-
PROFIT ORGANIZATION WITH THE MISSION TO
PROMOTE LOCAL ARTS AND CULTURAL
ACTIVITIES, ENCOURAGE THE COMMUNITY TO
ENGAGE IN ARTS AND CULTURE IN DAILY LIFE,
AND TO PROVIDE COLLABORATIVE STRATEGIES
TO MEET THE COLLECTIVE NEEDS OF ARTISTS
AND CULTURAL GROUPS
2018
ACAF AND REINHOLDT CONSULTING RELEASE
THE FREEPORT CULTURAL PLAN, FOLLOWING AN
18 MONTH PLANNING PROCESS (FUNDING FOR
THE CULTURAL PLAN IS SECURED THROUGH
PRIVATE FUNDRAISING BY ACAF AND A GRANT
FROM THE TOWN OF FREEPORT)
ACAF HIRES ITS FIRST STAFF MEMBER, A
COORDINATING DIRECTOR, TO MOVE THE
CULTURAL PLAN FORWARD
DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN ACAF AND FIRST PARISH
CHURCH RESUME
2016
ACAF AND LEADERSHIP OF FIRST PARISH CHURCH
HOLD PRELIMENARY DISCUSSIONS ABOUT A
SHARED USE OF SPACE IN THE HISTORIC
SANCTUARY
2019
ACAF AND FIRST PARISH CHURCH ESTABLISH
TERMS FOR A LONG-TERM LEASE OF THE
CHURCH’S MAIN FLOOR, TO BE RENOVATED BY
ACAF INTO A MULTI-USE CULTURAL CENTER
THE AGREEMENT ALLOWS FOR CONTINUED USE
OF THE SANCTUARY BY FPC’S CONGREGATION
FOR WEEKLY SERVICES AND HOLIDAYS
THE TOWN OF FREEPORT AWARDS A CAPITAL
GRANT OF $133,000 TO ACAF TO KICKSTART
FUNDING FOR THE CULTURAL CENTER
2017
ACAF EXPLORES FEASIBILITY OF PURCHASING
BUILDING AT 31 MAIN STREET AND CONVERTING
INTO AN ARTS CENTER
ACAF RAISES FUNDS TO PURCHASE OPTION ON
BUILDING BUT DETERMINES THAT FINAL PROJECT
WOULD BE TOO COSTLY AND NOT MEET THE
COMMUNITY’S NEEDS
FUNDING IS REDIRECTED TOWARD A CULTURAL
PLANNING PROCESS
THE MOMENT TO DEFINE FREEPORT IS NOW
The Campaign for Meetinghouse Arts presents a
significant opportunity for our community. Freeport’s
economic vitality depends on creating experiences that extend and enhance visits to our downtown; providing
community benefits to engage our year-round residents;
and strengthening the municipal tax base to maintain the
high level of services and education that Freeport
provides. Meetinghouse Arts is a single project that will
bolster the region’s tourism, community resources, and
real estate value. Both the Town of Freeport and the
Freeport Economic Development Corporation have
identified arts and culture as a key strategic focus for the Town’s future economic success. The Arts & Cultural
Alliance of Freeport is poised to create this cultural hub in
the First Parish Church, a historic gem on Main Street.
We cannot complete this community project without the
broad support of our neighbors. Meetinghouse Arts will
serve our residents and newcomers with educational
programming, valuable space for community groups,
artistic opportunities presented by regional touring acts,
and a venue to experience local artwork. We invite the
greater Freeport community to invest now and become
part of this exciting initiative to make Freeport a cultural destination in Southern Maine.
Support Meetinghouse Arts today!
I believe that Freeport currently
faces a crucial moment in its
development. The reputation we
have as a shopping destination
is losing its appeal due to the
change in purchasing habits
brought on by the digital
economy. The main factor
influencing folks’ travel decisions
is now the appeal of the
experience they will enjoy while
visiting.
To remain vital as a community,
Freeport must enhance and
improve its experiential
components. Festivals and
events, outdoor activities like the
L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery
Schools or Wolf's Neck Center’s
educational demonstrations,
themed activities for the "cold
weather" such as Thos. Moser's
furniture building workshop or
the annual fiber retreat… and
cultural activities.
Meetinghouse Arts will address
a big void in Freeport's menu of
experiential offerings. Concerts,
plays, art shows and workshops,
literary events; an endless list of
experiences that enrich both the
visitors’ and the residents’ lives
when they are in Freeport.
Chip Gray
Harraseeket Inn