About Hyannis HyArts Cultural District
The success of the Hyannis HyArts Cultural District is rooted in a series of arts-oriented strategies designed to support the creative economy while creating a vibrant backdrop for year-round residents and visitors.
2005 HyArts Artist Shanties, Bismore Park Seven artist shanties were constructed on the harbor front. These shanties offer local artists an affordable location to create and sell their work in a beautiful and highly visible location.
2006 Aselton Park The rehabilitation of an underutilized grassy area into an outdoor performing arts center was completed and includes the award-winning public art installation “Buoyed Coasts”. The area now provides a performing arts venue for festivals and a variety of entertainment along the harbor front.
2007 HyArts Campus Two homes were purchased on Pearl Street, adjacent to Main Street, and renovated by the Town into artist live/work and shared studio/gallery space. These properties encompass the backbone of the downtown arts district. The campus includes the Guyer Barn, a year-round community art space, working artist studio and professional artist gallery supporting and promoting the arts through exhibits, education, and performances.
2012 Hyannis HyArts Cultural District Official state designation from the Massachusetts
Cultural Council. The first cultural district designated on Cape Cod and the sixth in the state to be named. The concentration of cultural, economic and historic resources coupled with a strong community commitment to further enhance the vitality of the area.
2014 Barnstable Village Cultural District Official state designation from the Massachusetts
Cultural Council. At this time, one of only two towns in Massachusetts to have two state-designated cultural districts. BVCD is a 21st-century town with a historic twist. Partners with
Hyannis HyArts Cultural District to support and promote arts and cultural activities in both
villages and in all seven villages in town.
2018 HyArts Artist Shanties, Harbor Overlook Additional shanties placed along the
Walkway-to-the-Sea, overlooking Hyannis Harbor. More opportunities at a prime venue for artists to improve business, marketing, and selling skills.
A strong creative economy provides the opportunity to capitalize upon regional dollars with an area unified and transformed into a distinct arts destination. This cultural district continues to increase the value of the arts in the community through the cultivation of diverse new audiences and keeps consumers coming back throughout the year. District branding and cultural activities such as historic walking and art gallery tours, artist shanties and work studios, classes, workshops, and exhibits serve to attract visitors to the area.
The Town of Barnstable has a long-established commitment to making arts and culture an important facet of the town’s economic development strategy as the Arts are often undervalued for the contribution they play in a stable, well educated, vibrant community. The benefits of state designation are numerous. In addition to statewide and national marketing opportunities, the Hyannis HyArts Cultural District and the Barnstable Village Cultural District work with the MCC and community partners to further develop current arts-related economic development strategies, including encouraging business, job growth and expanding tourism.
Beyond HyArts
Hyannis is the largest of seven thriving villages that make up the Town of Barnstable, one of the fifteen towns on Cape Cod. The Hyannis HyArts Cultural District supports and promotes the venues and events that showcase the talent and creativity of our sister villages and the extended Cape Cod arts community.
Explore the other villages in the Town of Barnstable here
Massachusetts Cultural Districts
Explore other Cape Cod cultural districts as well as statewide:
Cape & Islands
Aquinnah Circle Cultural & Historic District, Aquinnah
Nantucket Cultural District, Nantucket
Orleans Village Center Cultural District, Orleans
Glass Town Cultural District, Sandwich
Vineyard Haven Harbor Cultural District, Vineyard Haven
Beyond Cape Cod
New Bedford Cultural District, New Bedford
Plymouth Bay Cultural District, Plymouth
Scituate Harbor Cultural District, Scituate
