HYANNIS – The Hyannis HyArts Cultural District has been renewed by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
HyArts is one of 43 districts so designated by the Commonwealth since the program’s inception five years ago.
The district falls under Barnstable’s Planning and Development Board which is working to strengthen the town’s existing Arts and Culture initiatives and provide new opportunities to support and promote the area’s creative economy.
“We’re the first on the Cape and the seventh in the state to be designated in 2012 so this renewal is very exciting,” said Barnstable Arts and Culture Coordinator Melissa Hersh,
“It speaks volumes to the programming, and project efforts, and commitment to continue with the HyArts cultural district.”
Among the district’s popular programs is the HyArts Artist Shanties at Hyannis Harbor/Bismore Park which provides affordable rental space for Cape Cod artists and artisans to work and sell at the seaside studios.
The program enables artists to gain exposure, connect with other artists and meet consumers from around the region and world.
The seven artist shanties, where artists change weekly, featured more 100 artists in the 2017 program, with artwork that includes photography, jewelry, painting, fiber arts, ceramics, mosaics and woodworking.
“In 2005 we began the artist shanty program, it’s grown from 11 artists that well over 100,” said Hersh, “and I am pleased to say that one of the things that will happen is an additional amount of shanties coming into play in the cultural district.”
The district was one of 10 other districts in the Commonwealth to successfully achieve renewal status for another five-year designation.
The status was renewed due to the successful compliance with annual reporting requirements and a recommitment by the Town of Barnstable for another five years.
By DAVID BEATTY, CapeCod.com NewsCenter
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