AHA! RECEIVES $35,000 FROM MASS OFFICE OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM
Program Credits Advocacy of Rep. Antonio F.D. Cabral
NEW BEDFORD, MA – The AHA! Partnership has received $35,000 from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism to continue presenting its monthly arts and culture nights both virtually and with live events in the city’s downtown, thanks to the advocacy of state Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral, D-New Bedford.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic a year ago, AHA! has continued virtually as VAHA!, bringing the same quality performances, lectures, and other arts and culture highlights to community members from the safety of their homes. The funding will allow AHA! to continue this virtual programming and, as the economy reopens, to provide safe in-person experiences that celebrate the arts and downtown New Bedford.
“Over the past year, AHA! has done a remarkable job keeping our city’s cultural events alive and well in a virtual format. It’s so important for the community to continue feeling engaged in New Bedford’s arts and culture scene, because it fosters a sense of belonging and resiliency. This MOTT grant will go a long way as spring begins.” said Rep. Cabral.
“We are extremely grateful to the Mass. Office of Travel and Tourism and to Rep. Cabral for his support and tireless advocacy,” said AHA! Director Lee Heald. “The funding will allow us to continue presenting AHA! Nights during these stressful times, maintaining the community performance platform and making it accessible to all.”
About AHA!
AHA! (Art, History & Architecture) is New Bedford’s free Downtown Cultural Night and collaborative cultural organization with over 60 downtown venue partners. A 501(c)3 project of the SouthCoast Community Foundation, AHA! has taken place every 2nd Thursday since July 1999. The AHA! mission is to be a cooperative venture dedicated to invigorating the downtown New Bedford cultural scene using the power of the arts and cultural enterprise, creativity and collaboration to forge a new economy. Visit www.ahanewbedford.org for more information,
About the SouthCoast Community Foundation
Since 1995, area residents have been turning to the SouthCoast Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. The Community Foundation is a tax-exempt, public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern for improving the quality of life for all in Southeastern Massachusetts. Visit www.southcoastcf.org for more information.
