New Bedford Creative

10/15/2026

Attention New Bedford small business owners!

New Bedford Creative and the NBEDC are excited to announce the Wicked Cool Storefronts: Holiday Placemaking Grant, a new rapid-response program designed to drive holiday foot traffic and boost local shops, restaurants, cafes, and service businesses this season!

This grant program is made possible through the City of New Bedford’s Arts, Culture, and Tourism Fund and ranges from $500 to $5,000 (with an average award of $2,500) to help make your storefront vibrant and welcoming during the most critical retail season of the year.

Eligible Projects Include:
Physical Placemaking Upgrades: Eye-catching seasonal window displays, storefront lighting, decorated outdoor seating, or welcoming entry signage.

Creative Placekeeping Programming: Live music, pop-up events, artist demonstrations, workshops, storytelling, and interactive holiday experiences.

Eligibility: Brick-and-mortar retail, service-oriented businesses, restaurants, or cafes located in New Bedford, MA.

Process: Applications are accepted on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis until funds are fully depleted. Apply early!

Apply now in English or Spanish:
https://newbedfordcreative.grantplatform.com/

Have questions? Contact Hendrick Hernandez-Resto at 508-985-8206 or [email protected].

¡Atención, dueños de comercios y pequeños negocios de New Bedford!

New Bedford Creative y el NBEDC presentan las nuevas subvenciones Wicked Cool Storefronts: Holiday Placemaking Grant, diseñadas para dinamizar el comercio local y atraer más visitantes a nuestras calles en esta temporada navideña.

Si tienes un establecimiento físico (tienda minorista, restaurante, cafetería o negocio de servicios), puedes solicitar financiamiento de rápida ejecución desde $500 hasta $5,000 (con un promedio de $2,500) para hacer despegar tu proyecto.

¿En qué puedes invertir estos fondos?
Mejoras físicas de placemaking: Fachadas y escaparates llamativos de temporada, iluminación festiva, decoración en terrazas o letreros de bienvenida.

Programación creativa de placekeeping: Música en vivo, eventos emergentes (pop-ups), talleres, demostraciones artísticas, sesiones de cuentacuentos y experiencias navideñas interactivas.

Elegibilidad: Comercios locales a pie de calle en New Bedford, MA. Proceso: La evaluación es de forma continua por orden de llegada hasta agotar los fondos disponibles. ¡Aplica cuanto antes!

Solicita hoy mismo en inglés o español:
https://newbedfordcreative.grantplatform.com/

¿Tienes preguntas? Contacta a Hendrick Hernandez-Resto al 508-985-8206 o por correo electrónico en [email protected].

Este programa de subvenciones es posible gracias al City of New Bedford’s Arts, Culture, and Tourism Fund.

Photos provided by Josh Souza for New Bedford Creative.

10/13/2026

2026 New Bedford Creative Grant Recipient Highlight: Community Boating Center

New Bedford Creative is proud to support the impactful work of the Community Boating Center (CBC). CBC provides educational and recreational boating programs that make the city's waterfront accessible to all, empowering youth and strengthening the community through maritime experiences.

Through support from the 2026 New Bedford Creative Grant Program, CBC is presenting the Mishoon Burn, a powerful public program celebrating Indigenous culture, history, and community traditions.

Over the course of 7 to 10 days, local Indigenous artists Hartman Deetz and Annawon Weeden will make a mishoon (dugout canoe) at CBC by using traditional fire methods to hollow out a pine log. Visitors are invited to step back in time to hear stories, smell the burning pine, touch the craft, and witness this living tradition firsthand.

🗓️ Public Programming Schedule:
Wednesday, Oct 21: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Thursday, Oct 22: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Friday, Oct 23: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sunday, Oct 25: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tuesday, Oct 27: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

📍 Location: Community Boating Center, 1641 Padanaram Avenue, New Bedford, MA

Food demonstrations will also be offered during specific sessions. Follow on Instagram or Community Boating Center on Facebook for updates!

10/08/2026

Starting Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 6–7:30 PM, join renowned local dancer and educator Geovanny “Geo” Sequeira for a Creative Classroom experience exploring the movement and history of Cabo Verdean dance.

Across this class series, Geo will take participants on a journey through dances including Funaná, Coladeira, and Batuku, offering a hands-on way to experience the rhythms, traditions, and cultural heritage of Cabo Verde.

Whether you’re already familiar with these dances or simply curious to learn something new, this is an opportunity to move, connect, and celebrate culture right here in New Bedford.

📍 The Zeiterion
📅 Begins Thursday, October 15
⏰ 6–7:30 PM

👉🏾 Learn more and register: https://www.zeiterion.org/events/cc-cape-verdean-dance-2027

10/06/2026

AHA! New Bedford is seeking local artists, makers, and creatives for the 4th Annual AHA! Artisan Market on Thursday, November 12, as part of AHA! Night: Made in NB!

The Artisan Market will take over the Star Store lobby from approximately 5–8 PM, celebrating New Bedford’s creativity and talent while giving the community a chance to shop small and support local artists as the holiday season begins.

📅 Application deadline: Tuesday, October 20
📣 Participation decisions: On or around Monday, October 26
⚠️ Space is limited!

Interested in participating? Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfRbrmv6OV4YVY8jkM2Vob7CX8JFwpe3IOchvrbD0LV945ueg/viewform?usp=header

Photos provided by Josh Souza for New Bedford Creative.

10/02/2026

2027 New Bedford Creative Grant Programs are open for submission.

Wicked Cool Places and Art is Everywhere! have supported countless creative projects throughout New Bedford. Now, it’s your turn to apply!

New this year: the Individual Artist Micro Grant — a dedicated funding opportunity exclusively for individual artists.

This new funding line was created to help address a common barrier artists face when applying for grants: competing with organizations that may have dedicated staff, budgets, and grant-writing experience. By creating a funding opportunity specifically for individual artists, New Bedford Creative hopes to make the process more accessible and give more artists the opportunity to bring their ideas to life.

Whether you’re developing a new public art piece, or bringing a workshop to the community, now is the time to apply.

Learn more and submit an application:
https://newbedfordcreative.grantplatform.com/

Photo provided by Josh Souza for New Bedford Creative.

10/02/2026

Here's your next photograhy gig!!!

WE'RE HIRING a photographer/videographer.
If interested, please submit your portfolio to [email protected]

09/30/2026

2027 New Bedford Creative Grant Programs are open for submission.

Wicked Cool Places and Art is Everywhere! have supported countless creative projects throughout New Bedford. Now, it’s your turn to apply!

New this year: the Individual Artist Micro Grant — a dedicated funding opportunity exclusively for individual artists.

This new funding line was created to help address a common barrier artists face when applying for grants: competing with organizations that may have dedicated staff, budgets, and grant-writing experience. By creating a funding opportunity specifically for individual artists, New Bedford Creative hopes to make the process more accessible and give more artists the opportunity to bring their ideas to life.

Whether you’re developing a new public art piece, or bringing a workshop to the community, now is the time to apply.

Learn more and submit an application:
https://newbedfordcreative.grantplatform.com/

Photo provided by Andrew Kepinski for New Bedford Creative.

09/28/2026

Spinner Publications continues its 45th anniversary celebration with an evening featuring acclaimed author Nathaniel Philbrick, author of In the Heart of the Sea and Mayflower.

On Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 6–8:30 p.m., Philbrick will appear at the Steeple Playhouse, 159 William Street, New Bedford, to introduce his newest book, The Rush: California Gold, the Civil War, and the Making of the Modern World.

The evening will begin with a meet-and-greet featuring beverages and hors d’oeuvres, followed by an audience Q&A. Copies of The Rush will be available for purchase and signing.

Tickets are $40 and are available through PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/F95PKDT26PKUJ?mc_cid=fb0824c66e&mc_eid=6c73d91d58)or by calling the Spinner office at 508-994-4564.

📖 The Rush explores how the California Gold Rush reshaped ideas of wealth, freedom, labor, and belonging—and how California’s rise helped push a divided nation toward war.

📍 Steeple Playhouse | 159 William Street, New Bedford
📅 November 18, 2026 | 6–8:30 p.m.
🎟️ $40

09/28/2026

Are you a local business, community organization, health & wellness provider, or creative looking to connect with families in New Bedford?

Old Bedford Village's Fall Harvest Health Fair & Family Fun Day is looking for vendors to join us for a day of community, connection, and celebration!

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
📍 Monte Park — 211 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA

Vendors can host a resource or vendor table, offer a family-friendly activity, showcase your business, and connect with local families and neighbors. The event will also feature free produce, music, food, and opportunities for community connection.

Interested in participating?

Contact Nicole Williams at [email protected] or scan the QR code on the vendor flyer to complete the participation form.

09/21/2026

New Bedford Creative’s 2027 grant cycle is open and accepting applications. Through Art is Everywhere! and Wicked Cool Places, New Bedford Creative is investing in creative projects that strengthen our neighborhoods, support local culture, and use the arts to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Applications are being accepted through Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

This year also brings a streamlined application experience through the new Good Grants portal. Not sure where to start? Check out our on-demand tutorial, “Get Funded: 2027 New Bedford Creative Grant Programs,” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC7IFBcGrXQ) on the New Bedford Creative YouTube channel for an overview of the programs and application process.

This year’s grant cycle includes two ways for individuals to apply:

Micro-Grants — $500 — $2,500

A new funding opportunity created specifically for individual artists, cultural practitioners, and community members.

General Grants — $3,000 – $10,000

Individuals, nonprofits, neighborhood groups, and small businesses can apply for larger-scale projects through the general grant program.

Art is Everywhere! supports creative approaches to local community challenges, while Wicked Cool Places supports projects that create vibrant, welcoming, and engaging places throughout New Bedford.

Deadline: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST=
Apply: https://newbedfordcreative.org/grant-programs/

These programs are made possible through the City of New Bedford’s Arts, Culture, and Tourism Fund, with additional support from Bristol County Savings Bank, Leonard & Hilda Kaplan Charitable Foundation, and Mass Cultural Council.

Photo provided by Josh Souza for New Bedford Creative.