An expanded Culture Splash returns to Gloucester this summer in its fourth year of the series that celebrates the cultural vibrancy of the nation’s oldest seaport.
The series kicks off this Thursday, July 11, and runs Thursdays through Aug. 29, from 4 -7 p.m.
Plus, Culture Splash Thursdays offers free water shuttle service across the harbor from 4-8 p.m. provided by Cape Ann Harbor Tours. The water shuttle connects the city’s two cultural districts — Rocky Neck and Harbortown. Volunteers will be on hand to assist “Splashers” with information and wayfinding.
Dozens of cultural institutions, organizations and local businesses are taking part to offer an array of free and discounted activities that highlight the “rich artistic tapestry and maritime heritage” of Gloucester. These events include outdoor and indoor live music, dance performances, light shows, film screenings, free museum admission, artist demos, exhibit openings, among other events.
This year’s Culture Splash introduces a new addition with Maritime Gloucester’s weekly series of marine pop-ups from 4-6 p.m. in its classroom, featuring activities such as plankton safaris, creature of the week and fish printing, all free of charge.
In another new feature this year, The Cut, a new entertainment venue and restaurant on Main Street in the downtown Harbortown district, will host Culture Splash “After-Hours” with live music in “The Corner” of its dining room every Culture Splash Thursday starting at 8 p.m. with no cover charge.
Carolyn Cole of the Massachusetts Cultural Council said that the Culture Splash series is among her favorite annual events across the state.
“It is a quintessential creative community experience, offering free and accessible programming, widespread community participation, and incredible artistry on full display in Gloucester’s two state-designated cultural districts,” she said. “Culture Splash centers on connectivity that includes a unique transportation component. This event boosts the local economy and attracts visitors from all over the region, promoting tourism, supporting the creative economy, and making the city of Gloucester a real cultural destination.”
Mayor Greg Verga applauded the series for providing opportunities to explore the city’s cultural offerings.
“From talented local musical performances to vibrant art exhibitions, there is a lot to experience. I’m delighted that we continue to support this impactful series. It attracts both locals and tourists to our lively cultural districts, bolstering our local artists, performers, small businesses and restaurants,” he said.
Elizabeth Carey, CEO of Rocky Neck Art Colony, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the series, a sentiment echoed by Miranda Aisling, head of education at Cape Ann Museum.
“The Cape Ann Museum has been a proud participant for the past four years through free CAM Courtyard Concerts. As a member of the Harbortown Cultural District, I’ve been especially excited to see the cultural organizations in town coming together to collaborate and organize a great series of events this summer,” Aisling said. “It’s a great example of how, by coordinating the amazing offerings in Gloucester, we can showcase the depth and breadth of the art and culture of the city.”
A detailed schedule of events can be found at https://discovergloucester.com/culture-splash.