How was the project implemented? What were the steps taken?
For many years the Town supported arts and artists through the local Cultural Council funding of programs at the Town owned Guyer Barn. In 2005 the Town developed a focused approach to continue to move revitalization forward. The Town’s economic development programs targeted investments focused on placemaking through arts and culture and related activities. In 2005 the Town purchased seven small shanties, installed on the harbor, for use as incubator space for local artists and artisans. In 2006 the Town acquired two properties on Pearl Street adjacent to the Guyer Barn. These residential structures were refurbished to gallery, studio and live/work space forming an arts campus with the Guyer Barn. In 2007 the Town created and Arts & Culture Coordinator position in the Growth Management Department. Initially grant funded, this position is now funded through the Town’s general fund.
Concurrently, thoughtful infrastructure improvements were implemented. Spurred by the Main Street streetscape project in 2000 which greatly enhanced the Main Street pedestrian environment, including a portion of the Walkway to the Sea, extending then from Main Street through the village green towards the harbor, the Town completed the Walkway extending it along the north and east sides of the harbor. This connection brought visitors and residents to the artist shanties, working waterfront, park and performance spaces there. An award winning public art project, Buoyed Coasts, was installed along the harbor portion of the walkway. Today Buoyed Coasts remains one of the most photographed scenes in Hyannis.
Have they been refined over time?
Implementation has evolved over time. While the original programs remain in place, the programs are expanded and improved each year. There is now added focus on business planning, facilitating access to growth resources, including the whole of the creative economy sector and drilling down on housing and work space needs to facilitate that development.