FAQs

What is a Cultural District?

A cultural district, as defined by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), is a downtown area with a concentration of cultural facilities, activities and assets.  It is walkable, easily identifiable to visitors and residents and serves as a magnet for artistic and economic activity.

The Plymouth Bay Cultural District was named the 27th Cultural District in the Commonwealth on November 19, 2014.   As host to 123 originating cultural assets, it is the largest in the Commonwealth.

Where is the Plymouth Bay Cultural District?

The Plymouth Bay Cultural District circumscribes the waterfront and main streets of downtown Plymouth.

Why was the Plymouth Bay Cultural District created?

The District was formed to enable and encourage the region’s art and cultural institutions and private businesses to better communicate, collaborate and coordinate events and activities.  By raising the profile of the arts in the town of Plymouth and facilitating partnerships among organizations, patrons, visitors and our community in general benefit.

Organizations are deemed members simply by being located within district borders.  Being in the District provides opportunities for members to springboard off one another. For example, if Project Arts is sponsoring an Irish act at a waterfront concert, a local restaurant may feature Irish menu selections, while a local Irish imports shop may offer a special discount to concert-goers. 

A vibrant art and culture scene stimulates economic activity, improves the experience of visitors to our community and enhances the quality of life for those who live in Plymouth. Simply stated if more people visit the District, more people will walk through your door, shop at your store, eat at your establishment and enjoy entertainment at your venue.  Everybody wins!

How will the District members communicate?

Our primary tool for information exchange is our website, www.plymouthbayculture.org.  The website is the place to discover all there is to know about what is happening in the Plymouth Bay Cultural District, as well as all events occurring in the greater Plymouth region. Our central calendar includes information and links to businesses and organizations in the district by category (dining, shopping, services, etc.), and features various member businesses and organizations (designated with a badge.) [All submissions must be approved by our site administrator.]

In addition, district members can communicate via an email newsletter that includes a “monthly summary” of events, supplementary information and announcements.  The website encourages the general public to subscribe to “Distribute Email News,” which allows us to market to potential patrons.

Monthly committee meetings are held to brainstorm and share information.  Currently under discussion:  a public art project through the Town of Plymouth, “Fall for the Arts,” a town-wide festival originated by Plimoth Plantation and the Plymouth Center for the Arts, and exploration of finding better ways to connect the waterfront to downtown areas.  To present a potential project to the committee and to be included on the agenda, email us at plymouthculture@mail.com.

Is there a fee for District membership?

No. By being located within the District boundaries, you are automatically a member.  All you have to do is keep in touch!

What do I need to do as a member?
 

• Feature the Plymouth Bay Cultural District membership decal prominently at your place of business 
• Like “Plymouth Bay Cultural District” on Facebook
• Add a link to the District site on your website
• Submit events or activities to the website – www.plymouthbayculture.org
• Subscribe to our e-communications to keep up to date on District plans and news
• Keep yourself in the loop!

Who is on the committee?

The Plymouth Bay Cultural District is led by a committee of volunteers dedicated to promoting and enriching the art and cultural scene in the town of Plymouth:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Andrew Boteiri, Project Arts, Chair  

Malissa Kenney, Arts Advocate, Vice Chair

Amy Naples, Plymouth Chamber of Commerce,  Treasurer 

Janet Young, Plimoth Plantation & Plymouth Visitors Services Board, Clerk  

COMMERCE

Bob Nolet, Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, Chair

DEVELOPMENT

Malissa Kenney, Arts Advocate, Co-chair

Susan O'Neal, ARC of Greater Plymouth, Co-chair

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Gary Wass, Setting the Space, Town of Plymouth Visitors Services Board & First Saturday, Co-chair

Jodie Prifti, Full Sail & First Saturday, Co-chair

Andrew Botieri, Project Arts

Mike Landers, Project Arts

HISTORICAL

Anne Reilly, Plymouth Antiquarian Society

Donna Curtin, Pilgrim Hall Museum

PARTNERSHIPS

Cheryl Soars, Plymoth 400

Malissa Kenney, Arts Advocate

Mike Caple, Plymouth Public Schools

PUBLIC ART AND WAYFINDING

Robin Carver, Town of Plymouth, Chair

Michele Pecoraro, Plymouth 400

Bob Nolet, Plymouth Chamber of Commerce

Mary Johannesen, Plymouth Cultural Council

PUBLICITY AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Michelle McGrath, McGrath PR, Chair

Dorothy Pauk, Plymouth Center for the Arts

Sunny Steadman, Pilgrim Festival Chorus

TOURISM PARTNERS

Michele Pecoraro, Plymouth 400, Chair

WEBSITE PHOTO CONTENT

Denise Maccaferri, Stage Presence Photography, Co-chair

Alexis Brickner, Alexis Brickner Designs

How can I learn more?

Anyone can attend the committee meetings.  They are held at different times and locations to maximize participation.  Find out more by emailing plymouthculture@mail.com or ask a committee member – always happy to help!   

Parking/Restroom facilities

A public restroom building located at the waterfront adjacent to Mayflower II on Main Street is open from April through November.

Plymouth has street parking and off-street parking in designated lots, and public transportation throughout town in the form of buses, taxis, and pedicabs. There is also public transportation from Boston and Cape Cod to Plymouth, and the bus system transports visitors from each major bus and train station in the area (the Kingston and Plymouth MBTA stations and the Exit 5 P&B Bus Stop) directly to the Cultural District.

The Cultural District offers ample metered parking located in close proximity to theaters, restaurants, visual art galleries and other District attractions.