Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB) has purchased $10,000 in tax credits through the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) in support of Lakes Center for the Arts, a subcommittee of the Greater Meredith Program (GMP). These funds will support the organization’s goal of creating an incubator for the arts, transitioning artists into successful sustainable businesses that will enhance growth in the local economy.
The Lakes Center for the Arts hopes to preserve and repurpose a unique local building with the goal of developing a hub of cultural vitality, creating a new focal interest for an underused zone in the town of Meredith. The building, the former Annalee Doll factory, is a 35,000 square foot post and beam facility.
“Our plan is to provide a center for the Lakes Region community that is devoted to the arts and able to foster careers in the arts by providing training in business skills and marketing,” noted Katheryn Rolfe, committee chairperson. “We are grateful to MVSB for their tax credit purchase and support, and we look forward to partnering with other local businesses in this effort.”
“The Lakes Center for the Arts is an ideal addition to our community,” added Rick Wyman, president of Meredith Village Savings Bank. “With a focus on art, the center will greatly benefit Meredith, as it is designed for aspiring, emerging and established artists. At the Lakes Center for the Arts, artists can expand their talents, thereby enhancing and enriching our community.”
There are still tax credits available for purchase for local businesses who wish to support the Lakes Center for the Arts. CDFA tax credits allow businesses to fund qualifying economic or community development projects in exchange for a tax credit that can be applied against state business tax payments. The tax credit program allows NH businesses to use their state tax dollars to support local projects they care about. CDFA reviews many project applications each year and awards tax credits to those that they determine are feasible, and will make the biggest impact on economic development in the state. For more information, visit nhcdfa.org.
The Lakes Center for the Arts is in the process of repurposing a landmark factory building that has a history connected to art, business and the community. The committee intends to provide an incubator for the arts, offering space to both established and aspiring artists in a collaborative atmosphere. The program encourages interdisciplinary expressions, and includes enriching experiences for the under-served and differently-abled local population through visual art. They envision an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome, respected and appreciated. For more information or to support their efforts, visit lakescenterforarts.org.
