From left, Julie Clement, MVSB VP Business Development & Small Business Lender; Amanda Kidd-Kestler, NHAA Executive Director; Jim Carrigan, MVSB RVP; and Angela Salb, MVSB VP Commercial Lending Team Leader, stand together at the nonprofit’s gallery in Portsmouth.
New Hampshire Art Association (NHAA) in Portsmouth is leveraging awarded tax credits from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) to expand economic and educational opportunities for artists throughout the state. MVSB is proud to purchase $5,000 in tax credits to support the organization.
NHAA has recognized a growing need to expand access to resources for rural artists, particularly those with entrepreneurial ambitions who live outside of major art hubs such as Portsmouth and the Seacoast. Funds from the tax credit program will help the organization build capacity to design and implement two new pilot initiatives – the Rural Artist Carrier Service and the Artist Professional Development Program – aimed at expanding access to supports and programming for artists in rural communities.
“The New Hampshire Art Association is committed to ensuring that artists across the state have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Amanda Kidd-Kestler, NHAA Executive Director. “These new programs will allow us to reach artists who have historically had limited access to professional development and exhibition opportunities. We are deeply grateful for MVSB’s support, which helps us strengthen the creative economy and empower artists in every corner of New Hampshire.”
From left, Jim Carrigan, MVSB RVP; Julie Clement, MVSB VP Business Development & Small Business Lender; Angela Salb, MVSB VP Commercial Lending Team Leader; and Amanda Kidd-Kestler, NHAA Executive Director, discuss upcoming NHAA projects at the nonprofit’s gallery in Portsmouth.
“Art and creativity are vital to the health, vibrancy and heritage of our communities,” said Jim Carrigan, MVSB Regional Vice President. “The Association’s work to expand opportunities for artists — especially in rural areas — will have a lasting impact on the state’s cultural and economic landscape.”
The New Hampshire Art Association is the state’s primary organization dedicated to serving artists and fostering connections between artists and communities. Learn more at nhartassociation.org.
