Local Arts and Community Organizations atac and DHG Announce Intention to Merge
Goal is to Invigorate Downtown Framingham with New Hub for Arts, Enrichment, and Community
Framingham, MA – July 29, 2024 – The boards of directors of ATAC (atac: downtown arts and music) and DHG (Discovering Hidden Gems) are pleased to announce their intention to merge the two organizations. This strategic decision comes after years of successful collaboration and a shared commitment to enhancing the lives of community members, particularly at-promise youth.
ATAC’s mission is to foster community and creativity through increased access to the arts. DHG is dedicated to improving the quality of life of at-promise youth through recreational and educational experiences.
Over the last few years, the two organizations have worked together in increasingly close collaboration – first sharing space, then through joint programming — all in support of the community especially during and through the pandemic.
As the two organizations looked towards a sustainable and impactful future post-pandemic, they began thinking about how they could work even more closely to mutually make a bigger impact on the community. With the common vision of improving the quality of life of at-promise youth and their families by centering arts, enrichment and the community, ATAC and DHG have decided to move forward as one.
By combining their strengths, ATAC and DHG will create a dynamic hub where the arts, events, and recreational and educational experiences can thrive. This integrated organization will leverage ATAC’s established venue and expertise in arts programming with DHG’s proven model of community engagement and youth empowerment.
"This partnership is the perfect opportunity for ATAC to reimagine our venue as a dynamic, inclusive space that reflects the evolving needs of our community. We're excited to expand our programming and explore new artistic, creative and educational frontiers together,“ said Doreen Pendergast, Board Chair
“We are excited about the possibilities this merger brings. Together, ATAC and DHG can expand our reach and impact, creating a vibrant cultural center that benefits our entire community. This merger represents a significant step forward in our shared vision to nurture our community. We look forward to the future and the many opportunities it will bring," said Margie Ann Rosario, Co-founder
Both organizations are committed to maintaining strong partnerships with existing collaborators, developing new relationships and especially engaging the community throughout the merger process. They are currently in a planning phase, referred to as a “chrysalis period,” as they work to develop a comprehensive integration plan. More details about the integration plans and the future of the combined organization will be shared in the fall of 2024.
Press inquiries: Margie Rosario
MargieAnn.DHG@Gmail.com
Atac: www.atac160.org