As Arts Alive has regrouped this year to focus more deeply on core programming, the statewide cultural landscape shifted dramatically—including the near collapse of the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts early in 2025. In moments like these, it becomes even clearer how essential it is for local arts organizations to lean into their role as community anchors.
This truth is woven through Arts Alive’s history. Under the leadership of long-time former Executive Director
Jess Gelter, Arts Alive grew from a small advocacy collective into a vibrant regional resource. Her work helped lay the foundation for projects that continue to shape the creative economy today—including the launch of MAXT Makerspace in Peterborough, one of our region’s most successful examples of community-driven creative development.
A Catalyst for Creative Infrastructure
Before MAXT opened its doors, the Monadnock region had no dedicated hub for makers, artists, tinkerers, and small creative businesses, despite the long history of manufacturing and entrepreneurship in the region.
Today, MAXT Makerspace serves as a vibrant center for woodworking, metalworking, digital fabrication, studio arts, and entrepreneurial incubation. It supports hundreds of creatives annually and has become a model for rural creative infrastructure statewide.
Continuing the Work of Regional Capacity-Building
As we celebrate 15+ years of accomplishments like supporting the creation of MAXT, we remain committed to turning moments of uncertainty into opportunities for innovation. This winter, our board and staff are mapping resources across the region, identifying gaps, and exploring new collaborations to ensure that the next big creative idea has what it needs to take root.
With the energy and fresh perspective of our Interim team—Jay House, Director of Fundraising and Operations, and Hallie Driscoll, Community Operations Coordinator—Arts Alive is pausing some of our activities to realign programs with community needs. Our past success with projects like MAXT Makerspace illuminates what is possible when we invest deeply in local creative ecosystems.