The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod has selected the next 15 artists to participate in its Capacity-Building Program, which aims to give local creatives access to support, guidance, resources, networking opportunities, and a chance to gain financial sustainability for their creative practice.
Four years ago, the Arts Foundation reimagined its Creative Exchange program thanks to a $400,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant from the state of Massachusetts. That funding helped the nonprofit focus on bringing professional development initiatives, like the Capacity-Building Program, to the Creative Exchange to help artists address the challenges they face — lack of affordable housing, inflation, the seasonal economy, and more.
“Since we launched this program in 2023, our goal has been to identify Cape artists who are doing great work, but who could benefit from the coaching needed to take their business and craft to the next level,” said Arts Foundation Executive Director Julie Wake. “Beyond strengthening their business acumen, this program gives participants an opportunity to establish a network of creatives that empowers the whole sector. It reminds each artist about the important role that community has in personal and professional journeys.”
For the first time since its inception, the Capacity-Building Program is welcoming an artist on Martha’s Vineyard — ceramic sculptor Jennifer Langhammer of Vineyard Haven.
“I am interested in the support this program offers, and would love to have help with developing a business plan and coaching,” said Langhammer, who is also the young adult librarian at the Vineyard Haven library. “I am also looking to benefit from the community this program offers … I am excited to collaborate with some of the other Cape artists in the cohort, and maybe have them lead some library programs.”
The Capacity-Building Program is taking place at a busy time for Langhammer, who is exhibiting her series “Significant Objects,” which features 3D pieces of life-size sculptures she made of items that are significant, to people she knows and strangers alike. Two are on view at the Workshop in Vineyard Haven, and another at Featherstone Center for the Arts in Oak Bluffs.
The Capacity-Building workshops, which are a mix of in-person and virtual, are open to any creative person on Cape Cod and the Islands who is interested in taking the next steps in professional development. To register for any of the workshops, visit artsfoundation.org.
