Photo of Cultura Latina Dance Academy by John Andrews/Creative Collective
The Lynnspire grants initiative awarded funding to 15 local projects in 2024, empowering Lynn residents to address community needs through creativity and collaboration. The final reports highlight inspiring outcomes, such as The Brickett Community Pollinator Garden Expansion Project, which transformed a neglected lot into a thriving community space. By adding strawberry baskets, native plants, and educational materials, the garden not only supports local wildlife but also fosters pride and connection among neighbors, significantly reducing drug activity in the area. Similarly, the CLDA Family Day Festival brought over 200 residents together for music, dance, and community resources, while the Our Lens program (facilitated by Audio Chemists)provided underserved youth with filmmaking skills to share their stories and advocate for social change. The Selfish Women’s Group created a safe space for women to prioritize self-care, with attendees forming lasting bonds and making positive life changes. These projects, along with strong partnerships like those with Cultura Latina Dance Academy, Lynn Community Television, and local schools, demonstrate how Lynnspire is building a more vibrant, connected, and resilient community.
Additional projects further illustrate the initiative’s impact. The Regal Collaboration Fashion Showcase celebrated local designers and performers, drawing attention to Lynn’s creative talent and fostering new partnerships with organizations like the Lynn Museum and Lynn Journal. The Department of Dreams project, led by Raquel Jimenez and Raw Art Works, invited residents to share their visions for Lynn’s future through a whimsical “Dream Portal” installation, collecting over 36 dreams that will guide future community efforts. Meanwhile, the Galleries at Lynnarts used their grant to upgrade technology and host events like the “Paint Your Clothes” workshop, engaging over 250 people and strengthening collaborations with the Lynn Music Foundation and other local artists. Together, these projects showcase the power of Lynnspire to inspire creativity, build partnerships, and address the unique needs of Lynn’s diverse neighborhoods.
Stay tuned for more information about Lynnspire 2025!