THE HOMECOMING CAMPAIGN
Founded in 2008, the West Claremont Center for Music and the Arts (WCCMA) is a major contributor to the on-going revitalization of Claremont and plays an active role in enhancing the quality of life in our region. In its first year, WCCMA presented 5 events serving approximately 300 people; in our tenth anniversary season (2018) more than 50 events reached 3,000 people. Our patrons desire and appreciate high quality arts and music experiences. Our educational programs fill the void created by budget cuts to arts education in our schools. Our concerts draw customers to the businesses of the Claremont region and bring tax dollars to the state of New Hampshire. We envision a community where all engage actively in the social, emotional, and intellectual benefits of creativity. OUR ROLE IS TO BRING GREAT ART TO OUR COMMUNITY AND GREAT COMMUNITY TO OUR ART.
NOW IS THE TIME
WCCMA is at a pivotal moment. An increased demand for private and group teaching space, the growing caliber of high-profile international artists, and the need for additional resources has caused WCCMA to outgrow our current home, the historic Union Church in West Claremont. Therefore, in partnership with the Claremont Development Authority and the City of Claremont, we have embarked upon HOMECOMING: The Campaign for West Claremont Center for Music and the Arts.
The Homecoming Campaign is a master plan designed to accomplish three main goals:
TRANSFORM
a long-empty historic bank building in downtown Claremont into the Claremont Creative Center.
a long-empty historic bank building in downtown Claremont into the Claremont Creative Center.
CAPITALIZE
WCCMA for vitality during this period of evolution and growth and into first three years of operations in our new home.
WCCMA for vitality during this period of evolution and growth and into first three years of operations in our new home.
ENHANCE
WCCMA’s indispensability as an economic, social, cultural, and educational engine in Claremont and the surrounding Upper Valley region.
WCCMA’s indispensability as an economic, social, cultural, and educational engine in Claremont and the surrounding Upper Valley region.
Through the HOMECOMING CAMPAIGN, we will build upon our celebrated past, create a permanent home for our promising future, and ensure the financial stability necessary for our evolution and durability. Most importantly, the Homecoming Campaign will weave the arts more fully into the fabric of our community and spur WCCMA’s evolution into an economic, social, cultural, and educational driver in Claremont and the Upper Valley region.
THE CLAREMONT CREATIVE CENTER: A NEW HOME FOR WCCMA
Our new home—The Claremont Creative Center—is the centerpiece of the HOMECOMING CAMPAIGN. We are creating a multi-use space for the performance, exhibition, teaching, and creation of music, visual, and culinary arts in downtown Claremont. Located in the long-empty historic former Claremont National Bank Building at 56 Opera House Square, our new home is in a prime location at the heart of the City Center, adjacent to City Hall, offices, retail, and dining establishments and walkable from the homes of half the population. The venue will offer rehearsal and art studios, a state-of-the-art performance venue for WCCMA and resident artists, and new sources of earned revenue through rentals and ticket sales.
PROJECT PRIORITIES
PHASE 1 FUNDRAISING GOAL: $2,205,000
RAISED AS OF 12/8/22: $1,373,026 (62% of Phase 1 goal)
REMAINING TO RAISE: $826,974
PARTNERS
PROJECT PARTNERS
FUNDING PARTNERS
TAX CREDIT PARTNERS
In 2019, New Hampshire’s Community Development Finance Authority approved $400,000 in tax credit funds to the Homecoming Campaign. Thanks to our local business partners who have purchased credits so far.
HOW TO HELP
INVITE
Do you know a music / arts lover from Claremont? Do you have a student in your life who has benefitted from access to the arts? Do you know arts patrons who value the creation of new work? Do you have connections with individuals, businesses or foundations interested in creative community and economy building, education, and access to the arts? Please let us know by contacting our Executive Director for a conversation at melissa@wcc-ma.org. Most important, reach out to your connections and be a champion of the HOMECOMING CAMPAIGN and WCCMA.
DONATE
Gifts of every size matter as we strive to bring this bright future to reality. Please consider a tax deductible donation in support of The Homecoming Campaign. Donor recognition varies depending on gift size.
PURCHASE TAX CREDITS
Are you a business in New Hampshire that pays taxes? Purchasing tax credits is the perfect way to keep your dollars in our community while supporting WCCMA and our Homecoming Campaign. Learn more at the CDFA website and click the button to make your pledge for FY21 today!
