SOMERVILLE — Artists and musicians at Central Street Studios have launched a fundraiser to raise $100,000 to help preserve their affordable workspaces as their building transitions to new ownership.
“Our building is transitioning ownership, and we need your support to help raise the necessary funds for the next steward of the building to keep the artist studios intact and affordable,” wrote Ami Bennitt, the campaign’s organizer, on their GoFundMe page.
According to Bennitt, the money will help close the funding gap for the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston (ABC) to purchase the building with “significant financial support from Mayor Katjana Ballantyne & the City of Somerville.” The effort is backed by the building’s longtime owners—Karen and Paul Morse, and Nancy Dutton and David Benson—who have stewarded the studios for over 40 years and are committed to passing it on to a buyer who will preserve its mission.
To support the fundraising campaign and engage the broader community, the artists—along with the #ARTSTAYSHERE Coalition—are hosting a Preservation Party and Community Arts Advocacy Event on Monday, April 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Warehouse XI in Union Square.
“Please join #ARTSTAYSHERE & the 3-dozen artists, musicians & creatives at Central Street Studios for a preservation party/community advocacy gathering as our building transitions ownership with the goal of maintaining affordable artist workspaces in Somerville,” organizers wrote on the Eventbrite listing.
The free event will feature live painting, artist meet-and-greets, auction prizes, and on-site advocacy. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance.
Donations are tax-deductible and can be made through GoFundMe, by check, or through gifts of stock, bonds, or Donor-Advised Funds.
To donate, visit:
🔗 gofundme.com/f/preserve-central-street-studios
