Manchester, NH: How the Arts Impact Community
Creative works and collaborations help strengthen and grow the city.
The historic brick mills that line the banks of the Merrimack River in Manchester, NH, might be the first thing to catch a newcomer’s eye, but head a bit deeper into the city, and you’ll uncover an abundant creative landscape that truly represents this vibrant, diverse and welcoming community.
Whether it’s within the walls of a museum or on the walls of an alley, art isn’t hard to come by in Manchester. And with the support of artists, residents and the city, its presence continues to grow, greatly impacting the community in the process.
Why Public Art in Manchester, NH, Matters
“Art brings us together, even when we don’t see things through the same lens,” says Suzanne Canali, director of education at the Currier Museum of Art, who believes art has a way of opening up different views of the world, helping people build empathy.
And with art and artists from all over the world, Manchester’s arts scene represents myriad voices and experiences, allowing for diverse expression and the open exchange of ideas.
“The relationship between [artists and the community] is a vital part of our shared experience,” says Bill Stelling, co-director at Kelley Stelling Contemporary. “It’s about the exchange of ideas, the enrichment of local culture, the benefit to the local economy and the overall well-being of the city. Artists foster an ecosystem of education and inspiration, advocacy and social change.”
Notable Displays of Art in Manchester, NH
Manchester offers locals and visitors many opportunities to take in the arts, making it impossible to pinpoint one piece of art as more important than another. However, because some displays are unknown or simply too inspiring or impressive to miss, the Orbit Group, whose efforts include creative placemaking in Greater Manchester, designed the MHT Art Walk. The map of some of the city’s most notable works of art includes historic sculptures, landmarks, murals and brightly painted vintage phone boxes.
“This map encourages community members to explore the city, visit local galleries and engage with public art,” says Marlana Trombley, who drives the group’s marketing and operations endeavors. “It becomes a communal activity where people can appreciate and connect with local artists, sharing their experiences on social media and tagging the artists involved. The MHT Art Walk not only promotes local art but also drives foot traffic to businesses, fostering economic growth in the area.”
- Cat Alley
It’s believed that Cat Alley got its name back in the early 1900s when one of Manchester’s early cotton mill founders noticed the alleyway was crowded with rivaling street cats.
For over a decade, Cat Alley, located off Elm Street, has been home to several cat-inspired murals. In 2022, the Orbit Group, along with 18 artists, set out to complete the Cat Alley Revival initiative, an undertaking that Trombley says is one of their biggest to date and helped to further cement Cat Alley as an important art and historical destination.
- The Mill Girl
The Mill Girl statue in downtown Manchester is an important work of art that honors the city’s history as well as women’s advancements. It represents the thousands of 19th century working women, including the more than 3,300 who worked in the textile mills of Manchester’s Amoskeag Manufacturing Co.
The statue, which was dedicated in 1988, was recently restored to improve public access in the surrounding area. It now stands atop a granite base with a plaque dedication and new shine, courtesy of the patina restoration carried out by the original sculptor, Antoinette Schultze.
- North End Architecture
Although not officially part of the MHT Art Walk, the North End features an array of architectural art from the 19th century, including stately Gothic, Queen Anne and Italianate-style homes, as well as the less grandiose but equally admirable mid-century modern Frank Lloyd Wright Zimmerman House, which doubles as a museum, with tours available through Currier Museum of Art.
Involving the Manchester, NH, Community
Manchester prides itself on its flourishing arts scene, so it’s no surprise that there are multiple opportunities for the community to get up close and personal with art, whether that’s taking a studio class or learning about fine art directly from the artists.
- Currier Museum of Art Public Education Offerings
“The Currier Museum believes art should be a part of everyone’s lives,” Canali says.
Some of the ways the Currier strives to achieve this is through its public education offerings, including art classes for youth and adults, sponsored school field trips to the museum and no-cost art and wellness services for several groups, including veterans.
- Manchester Arts Commission & Waypoint
The Manchester Arts Commission works to bring art and culture to the community by commissioning public displays of art that also support the local economy and disadvantaged groups.
“With new funding from the city, the commission has partnered with Concord artist Yasamin (Yaz) Safarzadeh to create a mural on the side of Waypoint,” says Co-Commissioner Randall Nielsen, who is also the founder and executive director of Queerlective, which seeks to promote inclusive environments for the queer, BIPOC and underserved communities.
Waypoint, which was formerly known as Child and Family Services, is a nonprofit that works to advance the well-being of children by providing social services to strengthen family life and promoting community commitment to the needs of children.
Yaz, who is pioneering an artist residency program at Waypoint, will collaborate with the youth to create the mural. This collaboration will give youth the opportunity to showcase their art and voices while beautifying their city with yet another work of public art.
- The Factory On Willow
The Factory On Willow, a mixed-use space for creators, innovators and entrepreneurs, is home to Artists in Residence, an international artist residency program hosted by the Orbit Group.
“This initiative provides a platform for artists from around the world to come and work in the community,” Trombley says. “It encourages cultural exchange, introduces new perspectives and allows local residents to engage with a diverse range of artistic influences. This residency program enriches the local art scene and contributes to the global art dialogue. Artists often speak at schools and provide workshops while providing a final piece that is installed locally.”
- Fine Art Pop-Ups & Collaborations
From 2017 through 2020, Kelley Stelling Contemporary brought fine art to Manchester through its gallery on Hanover Street before moving to a virtual model post-COVID.
“We hosted art exhibitions of local emerging and mid-career artists, [in addition to art shows] and artist talks and demonstrations. Our openings drew a broad spectrum from the local community – you might see anyone from the mayor, the president of Southern New Hampshire University or local Congressman Chris Pappas mingling with art students and aspiring artists,” Stelling says.
With an even broader reach today, Kelly Stelling Contemporary continues its goal by hosting fine art pop-ups and collaborating with private and public institutions, including Currier Museum of Art’s Blue Trees project, The Derryfield School and the New Hampshire Potters’ Guild, investing a portion of sales back into the community.
The Manchester arts scene is an exceptional example of the power of art and the symbiotic relationship between artists and the community.
This article was sponsored by the Manchester Economic Development Office.