PORTSMOUTH– The US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported recently that arts and cultural enterprises contribute $1 trillion to the national economy and, in New Hampshire, arts and culture make up 3.1 percent of the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Since coming through the pandemic, Portsmouth has turned a spotlight on ways to protect, preserve, and foster the arts.
In December 2023, the Portsmouth City Council approved an ordinance creating a permanent Portsmouth Arts and Culture Commission. In March 2024, the Council approved the Cultural Plan, which is available on the City website:
portsnh.co/artsculture.
In its first year, the Portsmouth Arts and Culture Commission has advanced several of the goals and action items detailed in the Plan:
- Created a Portsmouth Arts and Culture Commission informational rack card detailing the goals of the Commission
- Assisted in drafting a new Home Occupation Ordinance to increase opportunities for providing lessons and other educational efforts in residential studios
- Advocated for living and workspaces for artists at the Sherburne School redevelopment
The Commission has also advocated for rooftop solar panels, the future of the City-owned South Meeting House, and the importance of creating new spaces for artists to live and work in Portsmouth.
The Commission continues to meet with citizens, City officials, developers, and other City arts and culture organizations, to identify opportunities which will guide the growth of arts and culture in Portsmouth.
For more information on the commission and a calendar of upcoming meetings, please visit:
portsnh.co/artsculture
CAPTION: Terrence Parker's "Mortal Cod" sculpture in Bohenko Gateway Park.
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