GREENFIELD — Hancock County Arts appeared before the Greenfield City council’s July meeting to thank them for their investment in the arts over recent years and propose an increase in funds to help cover expenses.
The council chambers were filled with people there to show support for the organization as Hancock County Arts president Alice Hedden presented to the council.
“We had a good showing, 20 or 30 supporters including people I had never even met before,” Hedden said. According to Hedden, the organization has seen rapid growth over recent years, especially from people new to Hancock County, including five of Hancock County Arts’ 12 board members being new to the area.
As interest in the group has increased, though, so have costs. Rising housing costs have been especially hard on the organization.
“Our rent has gone up since we originally requested money, but [the council has] been really good to us,” Hedden said. “With $15,000 we could pay for rent, utilities and our website. A volunteer was maintaining our website for a long time, but we recently hired a webmaster which costs us $400.”
Hedden also noted that Greenfield has looked for other ways to help the organization beyond covering some of its costs.
“The city has reached out to us to see what we need and what we’d like to do, so if we fit into their plan that would be excellent.”
Patrick Kelley, the organization’s newest member, also spoke to the council about how Hancock County Arts helped him find community upon moving to the county.
Kelley is a retired Coast Guard photographer and public affairs officer who moved to the area a couple of years ago, saying he viewed Hancock County Arts as a “gateway to this community.”
He says he’s noticed an inability for the program to grow due to its current limited resources.
“We currently able to offer a venue for people who are already involved in the arts, but we don’t have the space for newcomers,” Kelley said. “A strong [arts] community provides not only an alternative for young people to find a healthy activity but also provides a place for people pulling themselves up from the depths of difficulty … It’s not how good your art is, it’s how good your art is for you.”
The organization also plans to present to the county council and commissioners later this year.
