About the District
Shaped by tides. Defined by makers.
Harbortown is one of two state-designated cultural districts in Gloucester, Massachusetts — the living, working heart of a city that has been home to fishermen, artists, and a tight-knit community for over four centuries.
1623
gloucester founded
2011
MA Cultural Districts Act
2013
Harbortown Designated
Today
25+ partner Organizations
our mission
A district built on salt water and paint
The mission of Harbortown Cultural District is to actively engage and promote the cultural institutions and creative communities that thrive within the district. We celebrate the interdependence of our artistic community and our fishing heritage. Through innovative collaborations, impactful programming, and economic development, we seek to nurture and amplify our unique community and its authentic contribution to our history and our current way of life.
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2011
Massachusetts Cultural Districts Act
The state legislature passes legislation enabling cities and towns to designate formal cultural districts — a new framework for preserving and promoting creative placemaking across the Commonwealth.
March 2013
Harbortown Designated
The Massachusetts Cultural Council officially designates the Harbortown Cultural District — encompassing St. Peter's Square, Main Street, the HarborWalk, and Harbor Loop. Gloucester becomes the first city in the state with two cultural districts.
2019
Culture splash launches
Harbortown and Rocky Neck Cultural Districts co-host the inaugural summer programming series — Thursday evenings of art demonstrations, live music, gallery openings, and a free water shuttle and trolley connecting downtown to the Rocky Neck art colony.
Today
year-round programming
From signature events like From the Deep and the Schooner Festival to weekly summer programming, the district hosts dozens of galleries, venues, restaurants, and cultural institutions with programming across all twelve months of the year.
What Is a Cultural District?
A state framework for
creative placemaking
Launched in 2011 by an act of the state legislature, Cultural Districts drive economic growth, strengthen distinctive local character, and improve the quality of life of families across Massachusetts. By supporting arts, humanities, and science organizations, Cultural Districts attract tourists and entrepreneurs, which in turn help communities foster their cultural sector and expand their tax base — and that benefits everyone.
With its vibrant history and distinct neighborhoods, Gloucester was the first city in the state to have two cultural district designations. With our partners at Rocky Neck Cultural District, we are proud to carry on the celebration of dynamic and authentic culture that makes Gloucester a unique place to live and play.
About Harbortown
Three zones, one
working waterfront
Gloucester's working waterfront and downtown businesses have been both a source of economic and artistic inspiration. Harbortown can best be envisioned as three distinct zones in rising levels from the harbor.
1
The Harbor
Working vessels carrying on the centuries-old fishing legacy of America's oldest seaport. Living hand in hand with a robust water-based tourism industry and local schooners that keep our seafaring traditions alive, the harbor is a bustling cultural community filled with creative and traditional arts and sciences.
2
The Shoreline
Just off the water's edge, land-based maritime support entities, cultural organizations, and local businesses connect past with present, land with sea, and legend with reality. This vibrant part of Harbortown is both inspiration and venue for creatives, art, music, cultural institutions, and tourism. Finding a more authentic seaport experience will be hard to do.
3
The Downtown
Just up the hill — home to fabulous architecture, historic institutions, world-class museums and galleries, and an energetic business community shaped by our unique heritage and driven by our unique creative energy.
The District Boundary
One walkable square mile
From St. Peter's Square along the waterfront to Harbor Loop, the district covers the full length of downtown Gloucester's historic core.
Cultural Organizations in Gloucester
Four names, four different roles
Gloucester is home to several cultural organizations with similar-sounding names. Here's how they differ — and how they work together to support the arts on Cape Ann.
Harbortown Cultural District
State-Designated District
A geographically defined area covering downtown Gloucester — from St. Peter's Square along the HarborWalk to Harbor Loop. Designated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council in 2013.
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Promotes downtown arts, culture, and events
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Runs From the Deep and signature programming
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Supports 25+ partner organizations
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Managed by the Harbortown Cultural District Steering Committee
Rocky Neck Cultural District
STATE-DESIGNATED District
A separate geographic district centered on the Rocky Neck peninsula — one of the oldest continuously operating art colonies in the United States. Designated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council in 2012.
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Home to galleries, artist studios, and restaurants
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Runs the annual Culture Splash series on Thursday nights in July & August
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Hosts its own gallery walks and open studio events
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Connected to Harbortown via Culture Splash water shuttle
Gloucester Cultural Council
Municipal Grants Council
A local funding body — not a geographic district. The GCC distributes annual grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to individual artists, educators, and community organizations across all of Gloucester.
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Awards grants for arts, humanities, and sciences
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Open to applicants citywide (not limited to a district)
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Funded through the Massachusetts Cultural Council
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Volunteer council appointed by the Mayor
Committee for the Arts
CITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
A city-appointed advisory body — not a geographic district or a funding source. Established by ordinance in 2000, the CFTA reviews proposed public art installations and makes recommendations to the Mayor. Members are volunteer citizens who help shape Gloucester's public art landscape.
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Reviews and advises on public art proposals citywide
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Makes recommendations to the Mayor on art installations
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Volunteer members appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by City Council
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Played a key role in establishing the Harbortown Cultural District
Leadership & Board
The people behind the district
The Harbortown Cultural District is governed by the Harbortown Cultural District Steering Committee. Committee members are listed below.
Traci Thayne Corbett
Cape Ann Art Haven
Executive Director
Jane Deering
Jane Deering Gallery
Owner
Michael DeKoster
Discover Gloucester
Board Member
Miranda Aisling Hynes
City of Gloucester
Arts, Culture, & Events Coordinator
Tom O'Grady
The Cut
Managing Partner
Amanda Pollock
Discover Gloucester
Executive Director
Leah Svensson
Sawyer Free Library
Community Librarian
Sarah Slifer Swift
MAGMA
Director
Press & Reports
For funders & media
Annual reports, press coverage, and a press kit with logos, photos, and boilerplate language for media use.
↓ Download ZIP
Logos, photos, boilerplate
Press Kit