As we gear up for another vibrant spring, when the arts come alive in Lynn, it’s a perfect time to acknowledge the key forces that have helped shape the city’s creative resurgence in 2025.
The City of Lynn has been steadily receiving state support to help its cultural sector regain momentum after the challenges of the COVID era. With direct funding from the Mass Cultural Council and additional backing through the Lynn Cultural Council, local artists have been rebuilding their creative presence in the community. A significant boost came from the state’s development arm, MassDevelopment, and continues to support the initiative’s growth. Through its signature creative economy program, the Transformative Development Initiative (TDI)—and now the Creative Cities Initiative—Lynn, with leadership from its Planning Department and the strength of its arts and culture sector, is poised not just to recover but to thrive.
The Creative Cities Initiative is a bold effort to leverage arts and culture as a driver of economic and community development. Supported by MassDevelopment’s TDI, which strengthens Gateway Cities through strategic investments, Creative Cities builds on the power of local artists, businesses, and organizations to shape a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future. In Lynn, this initiative has fueled dynamic public art, youth-led creative projects, and deep connections between the arts and small businesses. As we enter Year Three, our focus sharpens on placemaking, professional development, and long-term sustainability for Lynn’s creative ecosystem.
One of the most impactful elements of the Creative Cities Initiative has been Lynnspire, a regranting program now in its third year. Over the past two years, Lynnspire has provided funding to nearly 30 artists to produce cultural happenings throughout the city. From pop-up performances to interactive art experiences, these projects have enriched Lynn’s neighborhoods and demonstrated the power of direct investment in local creativity.
As we close out Year Three of Lynn’s Creative Cities Initiative, it’s clear that the momentum we’ve built is only the beginning. The investments made through MassDevelopment’s Creative Cities and TDI programs have laid a strong foundation—supporting artists, strengthening partnerships, and integrating arts into the city’s economic development strategy.
Now, with the recent $95,000 grant from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to develop a citywide cultural plan, Lynn is taking the next bold step. This plan will help define a long-term vision for the arts in the city, ensuring that the creativity, diversity, and community-driven energy that have flourished over the past three years continue to shape Lynn’s future. With this investment, the city is not just responding to the present moment—it’s building a lasting infrastructure for arts and culture to thrive for years to come.
Year Three is all about momentum—taking what we’ve built and making sure it lasts. Stay tuned for updates as we bring these projects to life, and join us in celebrating the creativity that makes Lynn shine!
Year Three Creative City Initiatives
Lynn Narratives
In collaboration with Raw Art Works and Francois Visuals, Lynn Narratives offers a platform for Lynners to tell their own stories of what Lynn means to them. Through this project, local residents will share their personal reflections and experiences, captured in their own spaces, highlighting the rich diversity and resilience of the Lynn community.
Inspire ‘RAIN: Fall to Rise
Using a hydrophobic solution, Michelle La Poetica Richardson will install powerful messages of resilience, healing, and joy on Lynn’s sidewalks. These messages will only be revealed when it rains, creating an unexpected and poetic experience for all who pass by. Inspire ‘RAIN: Fall to Rise will bring moments of surprise and connection to the public space, inviting residents to reflect on their own journeys.
Lynn Walking Shoe Tours (Adapted for Seniors)
Michelle Guzman, founder of the popular Lynn Walking Shoe Tours, will adapt her engaging city tour specifically for the senior population. This initiative will help seniors connect with their local history and community while exploring Lynn’s streets in a guided and accessible way.
Lynnspire 2025
Our signature initiative for 2025, Lynnspire, will spotlight and support local artists through a new grant program aimed at fostering creativity and collaboration across Lynn. Stay tuned for the announcement of this year’s grant recipients, whose projects will contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy and creative economy.
Support for GALA (Galleries at Lynn Arts)
We are proud to support GALA as they pilot an Arts & Supply Shop in their space. This initiative will provide the local community with easy access to affordable materials, fostering creativity and empowering the community to continue producing and sharing their work.
Signature City Events & Support
Creative City will also provide production and staffing support for several key community events:
- The Lynn Museum & Arts Center’s Final Fridays Series – A monthly celebration of art, music, and community in the heart of Lynn.
- The Lynn Arts & Culture Fest – A vibrant festival that brings together artists, performers, and artisans to celebrate the diversity of Lynn’s creative scene.
Support for the Lynn Music Foundation’s 2nd Annual Lynn Film Festival
We’re proud to continue our support for the Lynn Music Foundation’s annual film festival, which celebrates the intersection of music, film, and culture in Lynn.
Residency of the Pirañas Crew at Raw Art Works
The incredible Pirañas Crew, an interdisciplinary feminist all-women street art collective, recently completed a residency at Raw Art Works. Their week-long stay with RAW youth will inspire this season’s work, creating powerful art that explores themes of empowerment, community, and social justice.
Ongoing Support for Creative Workshops
We’ll support the Lynn Music Foundation’s ongoing series of creative workshops, which provide valuable learning opportunities for aspiring musicians and artists in the community.
Additionally, we’ll provide support for workshops aimed at creative entrepreneurs, hosted at Inc.ubate Coworking. These workshops will help local artists develop their business and professional skills, empowering them to thrive in the creative economy.
Community Building
In addition to the initiatives above, we will host two open-to-all socials designed to build connections among Lynn’s artists, creatives, and community members. These events will serve as opportunities for networking, collaboration, and shared inspiration, further strengthening Lynn’s creative ecosystem.
Click HERE to see who’s part of the Creative Lynn Partnership