AHA! (Art History Architecture) New Bedford records

AHA! which stands for Art, History & Architecture, is a New Bedford collaborative cultural organization whose purpose is to create an arts and culture night once a month in the downtown area. AHA! Night is held the second Thursday of each month, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM, with participating galleries, museums and cultural institutions offering free admission and programming. At this time, there are over 60 partner organizations particupating. AHA! is a 501c3 project of The Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts. AHA! Night started in July, 1999, after receiving a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) - Cultural Economic Development (CED) program. Since then, it has been supported by The City of New Bedford, The Mass Cultural Council, The Island Foundation, The Bank of America Foundation, local business community sponsorship, individual donors and partner venue dues. AHA! New Bedford isgoverned by a Steering Committee which meets twice a month, and an Executive Director. AHA! has made efforts since 1999 to convene cultural organizations in order to promote the collective growth of the city's cultural sector. In 2005 and 2006 AHA! received Mass Cultural Council Adams Grants to pursue cultural planning initiatives and pilot new programs, including "Summer Saturdays in the City," and an annual city-wide Open Studios (www.newbedfordopenstudios.org).