Celebrating Culture, Community, and Connection
As applications open for the 2025 Dream It, Create It grant program, we're highlighting previous grantees who transformed Fitchburg through creative placemaking. Today, we spotlight Centro Celeste's vibrant 2024 Uruguay Independence Day Festival.
When Centro Celeste received a $5,000 Dream It, Create It grant in 2024, they had a vision: to create a cultural celebration that would not only honor Uruguayan heritage but also transform Fitchburg into a destination for visitors from across the region. Their Uruguay Independence Day Festival, held on August 25, 2024, at Saima Park, delivered on that vision—and then some.
The day-long celebration attracted a record-breaking crowd of 900-1,000 attendees, a 12.5% increase from the previous year. Visitors were treated to performances from eight diverse musical groups representing folklore, rock, bachata, salsa, tango, cumbia, and candombe traditions.
Creating Economic Impact
The festival exemplifies how creative placemaking can generate meaningful economic benefits for a community:
Tourism Boost: The event drew hundreds of visitors from outside Fitchburg, many of whom stayed in local accommodations
Vendor Opportunities: A record 25 vendor booths participated, creating marketplace opportunities for local entrepreneurs
Sponsorship Engagement: 24 sponsors contributed to the event, demonstrating strong business community support
Impressive Financial Results: The festival generated over $18,000 in gross income with a net profit of $9,348.70—an 18.1% increase over the previous year
Community Engagement in Action
Centro Celeste's approach embodied the spirit of creative placemaking by actively involving community members:
20 dedicated volunteers helped organize and staff the event
Local children ages 5-14 performed in the opening flag ceremony
Multiple performance groups showcased diverse cultural traditions
Family-friendly activities including inflatables, face painting, and games created an inclusive environment
Lessons Learned and Future Vision
What makes Centro Celeste's project particularly valuable is their commitment to reflection and growth. Their final report detailed thoughtful analysis of challenges and opportunities:
As attendance grows, they're exploring larger venue options within Fitchburg
They're developing more sustainable practices by investing in reusable equipment
Strategic planning for improved sponsorship tiers and vendor engagement will enhance future events
Careful scheduling of performances based on attendance patterns will optimize resources
Apply Now for 2025 Dream It, Create It Grants
Centro Celeste's success demonstrates how Dream It, Create It grants can transform creative ideas into impactful community projects. Applications are now open for the 2025 grant cycle, with $50,000 available across multiple award categories.
Could your cultural celebration, art installation, or community event be the next success story? Join us for an information session on February 11th at 6:00 PM to learn more about the application process and hear from selection committee members about what makes a compelling proposal.
Apply Now | Virtual Office Hours Schedule
Dream It, Create It grants are facilitated by CoFF33 Corp. and funded by MassDevelopment/TDI and the Barr Foundation. This program is one component of a broader "TDI Creative Cities" initiative to boost arts-based economic development.
