Havre de Grace Arts Collective Announces Strategic Shift to Deepen Support for City’s Arts & Entertainment District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Havre de Grace Arts Collective Announces Strategic Shift to Deepen Support for City’s Arts & Entertainment District

Havre de Grace, MD — October 22, 2025 – The Havre de Grace Arts Collective announces a strategic shift to deepen support for the city's Arts & Entertainment (A&E) District and explore innovative ways to expand their inclusive, community-centered programming.

As the official holder of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Havre de Grace A&E District, the Havre de Grace Arts Collective has been a leader in addressing the cultural and economic needs of the city and surrounding region since its founding in 2017.  

An A&E District is a special area recognized by the Maryland State Arts Council that encourages creativity, culture, and community. Districts are designed to help neighborhoods grow by supporting the arts, small businesses, tourism, and local pride.  A&E Districts bring people together through unique events, experiences, and public art. They help communities tell their stories, celebrate local talent, and attract visitors and investment.

Earlier this year, the Collective closed the doors to Gallery 220, its popular contemporary art gallery after a change in building ownership. Gallery 220 among other Arts Collective programming initiatives have historically been utilized to foster the A&E District by creating unique accessible spaces and events to bring artists to the city. Gallery 220 was open for 2 years and showcased 800 pieces of art, welcomed over 44,000 visitors and hosted 12 exhibitions that helped bolster the district with new artistic talent and fostered community connections. With the renewed focus and organizational changes, the Havre de Grace Arts Collective is excited to explore innovative ways to contribute to the distinct moving forward. 

“In this next chapter, we’re doubling down on what makes Havre de Grace special—its creative spirit and sense of community,” said Haley Strong, Executive Director of the Havre de Grace Arts Collective, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting community through the arts. “The renovated downtown provides a new canvas for activating the A&E District.”

To encourage collaboration, innovation, and growth in the A&E District, the Havre de Grace Arts Collective plans to:

• Enhance support and marketing for the A&E District

• Strengthen connections between artists, the community, and businesses to result in a prosperous A&E District.

• Increase collaboration with local creatives, organizations, and stakeholders

• Continue to manage the Public Art Plan for the City of Havre de Grace

• Further organize community-oriented performances and arts initiatives.

  
  

“With this direction, the organization reaffirms its vision: to be recognized regionally as a catalyst, resource, and vital partner in the arts community—building a vibrant and inclusive arts scene through a commitment to excellence, diversity, and enrichment,” states Laura Kozak, Board Chair of the Havre de Grace Arts Collective.

About the Havre de Grace Arts Collective

The Havre de Grace Arts Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in July 2017. Its mission is to connect community through the arts. Community members and partners are encouraged to stay engaged and follow upcoming announcements, events, and opportunities for involvement at www.hdgartscollective.org.

About Havre de Grace’s Arts & Entertainment District 

A popular haven for its small-town waterfront atmosphere, Havre de Grace A&E boasts a restored opera house, art galleries, specialty shops, antique stores, a thriving local artist community, local eateries, annual art festivals and a diverse architectural heritage.​​​  The Havre de Grace A&E District hosts 225+ events, 22 festivals and serves 156,000+ patrons annually. 

Why Are Arts & Entertainment Districts Important?

Havre de Grace is 1 of 29 A&E Districts in the State of Maryland.  Each district is a unique destination, reflecting the traditions and evolving culture of its community and invites residents and visitors to experience the best Maryland has to offer.

A&E Districts don’t just bring color and creativity—they also make a big impact on local economies. In 2022, Maryland’s A&E Districts helped generate over $149 million for the state’s economy, supported more than 1,100 jobs, and brought in more than $8 million in tax revenue.  They help artists grow, support local businesses, and give residents and visitors more reasons to spend time—and money—right in their community.