"I have been part of Creative Concord from the very beginning. That convening of the entire cultural sector, plus other businesses in the community, has really built trust. And that has led to wonderful initiatives and collaboration."
— Nicki Clarke
Header Image: Mural by New Hampshire artist, James Chase. Learn more.
Arts
Our Creative Concord committee connects, arts, business and community leaders to tackle large projects that support the Capital Region’s thriving cultural economy.
Outdoor Sculptures
The City of Concord and Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce created “Art on Main” in 2018. This program enlivens and enhances Main Street with a year-round sculpture exhibit. Mixed with Concord’s classical art, it creates an open-air gallery that is free to enjoy, and on view every day. Installations may last from one to two years, typically remaining on view from 12 to 24 months. In 2022, the exhibit expanded beyond Main Street and highlights key area’s of Concord’s community.
Murals
Creative Concord is proud to have made a permanent impact on the City of Concord, through two dynamic murals.
Storrs Street Staircase
New Hampshire artist, James Chase, who is well-known for creating colorful geometric murals throughout New England, created a stunning work of art in Concord. This mural is located in a stairwell that connects North Main and Storrs streets, adjacent to Loudon Road. With the help of the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts and many generous sponsors—Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Concord Antiques, The Duprey Companies, NH Community Development Finance Authority, The Rowley Agency, Inc. and Company C—this project added life to a plain concrete wall that serves as a key pedestrian walkway.
Arnie’s Place Mural
This mural was designed and created by the community, with support from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.
Capital Arts Fest
Creative Concord established Capital Arts Fest in May 2017 to celebrate the newly renovated Main Street. The event grew into a 3-day festival, hosted by the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen and Capitol Center for the Arts.
Measuring the Cultural Economy
In 2008 and 2017, Creative Concord performed an Arts & Economic Prosperity Survey. This study, completed in partnership with Americans for the Arts, measured the direct economic impact of cultural institutions and audience spending—31.2 million dollars annually in the Greater Concord region—which represents only a portion of the impressive value of the creative economy in our state.
Busking
Concord welcomes acoustic sidewalk performers! Perform live in downtown Concord at one of four locations, listed below. Locations are available on a first come, first serve basis.
The sidewalk at the opening to Eagle Square, by the clock tower
The brick alcove on North Main Street next to Merrimack County Savings Bank
The plaza between O Restaurant and Red River Theatres
The northwest corner of Main and Pleasant Streets
Join us
Chamber membership supports advocacy efforts, workforce development, and beautifies New Hampshire’s Capital City. Make an impact on your community by joining today.