Proposal from Heart of Biddeford to Officially Incorporate “Arts” into Our Mission

Since its inception in 2010, Engine has played a transformative role in Biddeford by creating a welcoming space for artists, fostering the creative economy, and providing arts education. However, Engine has faced significant challenges due to staff and location transitions over the last several years, compounded by the impact of the pandemic felt by many community-building and arts nonprofits.

In 2024, following extensive discussions with Engine and input from various members of the arts community, the Heart of Biddeford (HOB) board voted to officially integrate the arts into our mission. We aim to assume certain responsibilities that Engine has nurtured over the past decade. With the assurance that the arts will have a dedicated home for growth, Engine’s board voted to collaborate with Heart of Biddeford on this new direction to best support the arts in Biddeford.

Proposed Actions for October-December 2024:

Engagement: Meet with local arts organizations, artists, and supporters to present this plan and gather additional insights.

Steering Committee Formation: Establish a steering committee to assist HOB in updating our mission and bylaws. This committee will also nominate two board members with relevant experience in the arts community and determine the most effective committee structures. Additionally, they will help conceptualize a funding plan to support this mission expansion.

Following community feedback and engagement throughout the fall and early winter, Heart of Biddeford proposes to begin implementation in January 2025.

While our priorities could shift based on feedback during the fall, our anticipated actions in 2025 include:

Securing Funding: We will seek funding for a full-time arts coordinator at HOB, focused on achieving our arts-related objectives.

Events Leadership: HOB will take a leadership role in ArtWalk and Fringe Fest, forming committees to shape their direction. We will also work with an HOB Arts Committee to introduce additional arts events as human and financial resources grow.

Grant Collaboration: HOB will partner with local arts organizations to attract grant funding that supports arts performances and exhibitions in Biddeford.

Artist Support Hub: HOB will serve as a central hub for artists to network, access professional development opportunities, and connect with business opportunities.

Public Art Initiatives: HOB will participate in the city’s Public Art Commission and support the implementation of public art projects.

Arts Integration: With the arts coordinator in place, HOB will cultivate art, creativity, and design thinking as part of private and public projects, from public infrastructure design to addressing social challenges.

By integrating the arts into our mission, Heart of Biddeford aims to strengthen the Biddeford community for artists, community members, businesses, and visitors. We look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to realize this vision.