City & Local

Cultural Identity

3 articles

Year-round residents observing a crowded, commercialized local festival from a distance, highlighting the disconnect between events and community.
Events

Local festivals 2026: Culture clashes with commercialism, threatening identity.

57 percent of year-round residents surveyed in one Massachusetts town actively avoid downtown during its popular summer festival.

Sophie Nguyen·May 11, 2026
A diverse community gathers around a striking modern public sculpture in a bustling city square at sunset, illustrating the positive impact of art on urban life.
Community

Public Art Isn't a Luxury; It's a Smart Investment for Our Community's Future

Public art is not a luxury but a critical strategy for community engagement, cultural identity, and economic growth. Learn how strategic investment in art builds a more resilient and vibrant city.

Derek Molina·April 5, 2026
Diverse community members smiling and engaging with local art, showcasing the vibrant impact of arts funding on urban life and cultural identity.
Community

Our City's Soul is at Stake: Why Community Funding for Local Arts is Non-Negotiable

Robust community funding for local arts and culture isn't a luxury; it's a fundamental investment in our city's economic health, social cohesion, and unique identity.

Sophie Nguyen·March 31, 2026