Amesbury Cultural Council Meeting
The Cultural Council set Open Studios for November 9–10, 2024 and approved new fee ranges for the event (trolley sponsor $1,800–2,000; signage stops $500–750; Friend of the tour $250–300; artist fee $40–50; guest artist $60–70).
The Cultural Council meeting focused on planning for Open Studios, marketing and outreach, and ongoing event programming. Members approved Open Studios dates for November 9–10, 2024 and unanimously approved increased fee ranges for sponsors and participating artists to improve event revenue. Discussion around Open Studios included obtaining an updated quote from Salem Trolley, forming a broader committee to help run the tour, exploring new trolley stops (Mill 77 and the Council on Aging) and producing proposed maps for the route.
Other items covered included marketing plans (rescheduling a Chamber presentation, summer pop-up markets and live-music nights), grant-survey outreach (about 75 responses so far), and highlights from recent events: a successful Art at City Hall show with over 60 applicants, Lake Gardner festival donations, and follow-ups on a planned mural meeting. Public comment brought a request from the Amesbury Green Team for space to run a second-hand art booth (potentially at City Hall) and an offer to return proceeds from Open Studios sales. The council also discussed Pride Day participation, a memorial plan for the Poet Laureate, several upcoming summer events, and volunteer/subcommittee assignments for marketing, artist tracking, design, volunteers and sponsorships.