Introducing Creative Space DNA - Mass History Commons

03.05.2026

Jay Paget, Program Director

Mass Cultural Council invites you to be a part of our new creative space network: Creative Space DNA.

We are partnering with the ArtStaysHere Coalition to initiate a development network accelerator to help those preserving, developing, and advocating for a healthier creative space ecosystem across Massachusetts.

ArtStaysHere is a volunteer coalition of artists, musicians, and advocates – people working in different parts of the creative economy – who, through coming together in one voice, work both to prevent arts and cultural displacement throughout Greater Boston and lead a movement where the arts and artists are more valued as necessary assets to cities, towns, neighborhoods, and overall human wellbeing.

Creative Space DNA’s monthly Zoom sessions will bring together artists, musicians, cultural organizations, funders, developers, and anyone advocating for creative space in their community.

Each session will highlight the work of experienced professionals as well as the lived experience of artists. We’ll discuss topics as varied as:

Effective community organizing
Creative zoning
Working with a design/build team
Adapting public buildings for creative uses
Political advocacy
Partnering with developers and Community Development Corporations
And more!

While each session will focus on a particular aspect of creative space preservation and development, we’ll make sure there’s time for questions and discussion beyond the featured subject.

Our goal is to provide an open and dynamic network of actively engaged space operators and advocates.