Maine is rich in natural beauty – something it’s known for around the world.
But its wealth in creative, innovative talent is also of great value. The Maine Center for Creativity is dedicated to spotlighting and nurturing this most potent human resource. We do this through creating high-visibility projects and programs that capture the imagination and foster the art of the possible. And by creating programs and collaborative networks supporting people in the creative industries.
Art All Around is our largest, high-visibility project. The initial phase was launched in 2008 with an international design competition that attracted 560 artists from 80 countries. Conducted in collaboration with Sprague Energy Corporation, its focus is to transform Portland’s industrial waterfront into a gateway that showcases the state’s commitment to arts-and-industry collaboration. We are well along in raising $1.3 million to fund the painting of winning artist Jaime Gili’s design onto 16 oil storage tanks along the harbor. The first tank was painted in October of 2009 and painting of the fifth tank is currently underway.
The Light House and the Painters, Players & Poets projects are two other art collaborations we’ve sponsored. In collaboration with the Center for Law & Innovation, we’ve also sponsored a series of “Creativity & Copyright” seminars featuring local attorneys and leading artists in various disciplines. And we’re currently showcasing a “Creative Toolbox & Survival Guide” lecture series featuring leading creative teams and innovators on a variety of topics – from the value of social networking technology to the theory and practice of creativity.
Since our founding in 2005, we’ve been involved in a number of other innovative, creative projects – and have many new ones in the works.