Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine

A huge thank you to Mainebiz for sharing the news that the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine was one of eight organizations across the state to receive grants, announced last week, through the Maine Office of Tourism’s Tourism Marketing and Development Recovery Program. The grant will enable CMTM to launch a multi-tiered marketing campaign to increase awareness among tourists with children. "The economic impact of this award is threefold: It allows us to drive a marketing campaign we couldn’t have achieved on our own as a nonprofit, supports our local economy by employing top professionals and boosts tourism by positioning the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine — and Maine itself — as a premier destination for family travel,” said Shultzie Fay Willows, the organization’s marketing and communications director. Learn more about CMTM and the other organizations awarded grants by the MOT: https://lnkd.in/dcKqKi_7 #childrensmuseumandtheatreofmaine #cmtm #mot #grant #maine #mainetourism #familyfun #childrensmuseum #travel #tourism 

The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM) has been awarded $200,000 as part of the final round of the Tourism Marketing & Development Recovery Program, announced today by the Maine Office of Tourism. CMTM is one of eight organizations across the state receiving funding. The program, administered by the Maine Office of Tourism with $2 million in funds awarded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, was established to help Maine’s travel and tourism industry recover from negative financial impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The award recipients announced include: Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce - $93,000 Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine - $200,000 Eastern Maine Development Corporation - $195,000 Heart of Ellsworth - $200,000 High Peaks Alliance - $92,000 Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation - $94,500 Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce – $70,000 Rangeley Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce - $90,000 “These projects will further strengthen the state’s visitor economy and foster a more resilient tourism industry in Maine in the coming decades,” said Heather Johnson, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. “We are excited to award this final round of Tourism Marketing & Development Recovery Program funding, through the EDA Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Program, to organizations whose projects will have a positive impact on our travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors here in Maine,” said Hannah Collins, Deputy Director of the Office of Tourism. “These projects will also enhance the visitor experience and help to create a more equitable and competitive industry.” Recipients selected to receive an award successfully demonstrated their projects’ potential for long-term transformational impacts; campaigns that reach underrepresented, new and diverse communities of visitors; and the creation and/or improvement of tourism assets that will live on beyond the life of the grant term. Projects must be completed by September 2025. The grant supports the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine's project to launch a multi-tiered marketing campaign specifically designed to increase awareness among visitors traveling to Maine with children. This funding furthers the Museum & Theatre's ongoing mission to create transformative experiences for families, spark curiosity, and contribute to Maine’s tourism economy. Awards are funded through the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation State Grant as consistent with the State of Maine’s scope of work and approved grants administration plan for this award. Other industry support grant programs administered and funded by the Maine Office of Tourism include Maine Communities Grants, Tourism Enterprise Marketing Grants and Special Events Grants. More information regarding MOT grant programs is available at MOTPartners.com

Thank you to WPFO FOX 23/ WGME CBS13 for featuring CMTM's "Beautiful Blackbird" theatre production and the intersection with the statewide Beautiful Blackbird Children's Book Festival on Wednesday's ARC Maine live segment with anchors Katie and Jeff. CMTM's Theatre Artistic Director Reba Askari and actor and production choreographer Veeva Banga shared more about the show, festival, and CMTM. Watch the segment now for a recap of their interview. For tickets to "Beautiful Blackbird," visit: https://lnkd.in/eksEsMkQ “Beautiful Blackbird” runs until October 13, 2024, in CMTM’s Maddy’s Theatre. Tickets are $10 per person for adults and children. Members receive a 10% discount. By Ashley Bryan. Adapted by Theroun Patterson. Original music composed by Eugene H Russell IV. First produced by Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, with Artistic Director Christopher Moses. Directed by René Goddess. Photos and video clips by Mark Mattos, Katie Day, and Ben Keller. Segment: https://lnkd.in/e8G5Khfa #childrensmuseumandtheatreofmaine #cmtm #beautifulblackbird #ashleybryan #thankyou #thelittlegym #theatreforkids #tya #theatre #maine #portland #portlandme #beautifulblackbirdchildrensbookfestival #BBCBF

The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM) has been awarded a $224,143 Museums for America (MFA) grant by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This grant will fund the expansion of programs that help Maine public schools integrate African American and Ethnic Studies, as well as Wabanaki Studies, into their curricula. This is the first time in 23 years that CMTM has received this prestigious grant, and it is the only institution in Maine to be awarded an MFA grant for Fiscal Year 2024. CMTM will use the grant to develop and expand programs that align with Maine’s mandated African American and Ethnic Studies and Wabanaki Studies curricula. Collaborating with local organizations, artists, musicians, performers, and storytellers, the Museum & Theatre will create on-site outreach programs that center community voices. Additionally, professional development opportunities will be provided for Maine educators to enhance their capacity to implement these new curricula. The grant will also support the production of a new play adapted from a children's book authored by a member of one of the represented communities. “This grant brings augmented and interactive resources to connect with the culturally diverse history and background of the land we currently call Maine,” said Julie Butcher Pezzino, the museum’s executive director. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e2RW2PVT #childrensmuseumandtheatreofmaine #cmtm #museumsforamerica #imls #maine #portlandme #portland

We are thrilled to announce the addition of five dynamic individuals to the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine's (CMTM) Board of Directors. Each new member brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective that will enhance our ability to serve the community and our mission. Additionally, CMTM has voted in a new executive board consisting of longstanding members who will oversee the executive functions of the organization for the next twelve months. New Board Members include: Keyla Alston-Griffin (Digital Philanthropy Collective), Cameron Peden (United Way of Southern Maine), Katie Porter (Pierce Atwood LLP), Rose Splint (Consultant), and Maya Williams (Poet, Writer, Poet Laureate of Portland). New Executive Committee Members include: Gail Ringel, Julie Ouellette (MaineHealth) - Vice President), Udai C. (FoW Partners) - Treasurer, Rose Parsons (Bank of America) - Secretary, Julia Trujillo Luengo (Maine Community College System) - At Large, and Kristin Valdmanis, Past President. We warmly welcome Keyla, Cam, Katie, Rose, and Maya to our Board of Directors and look forward to their contributions to the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. We also thank our newly elected Board leadership team for taking on this additional responsibility and aiding in the execution function for the next year. Learn more about our new Board Members here: https://lnkd.in/ezCz8-NN

We are Making Way For Ducklings at the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine! A mallard duck has chosen to make her nest in the play structure of the Outdoor Adventure playground. To ensure the safety of her and her eggs, the structure is closed until the eggs hatch, and she and the ducklings depart. The community is rallying around this patient mallard and news of her expanding family is spreading far and wide. See coverage from WMTW-TV at: https://lnkd.in/ef7TYj2X

Thank you to Mikayla Patel with The Portland Press Herald's Forecaster, for sharing the why and art behind the Flying Colors Benefit Art Auction on Friday, May 10 at the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine. Kifah Abdulla, a Portland resident and contributing artist to Flying Colors shared, "We need to invest in children and provide the right and creative environments for them to enjoy a healthy childhood...As an artist who loves children’s creativity, they often inspire me in making art.” Learn more about Flying Colors, and read the article at: https://lnkd.in/dm-X3cRA

The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine is thrilled to announce the return of the Flying Colors Benefit Art Auction on Friday, May 10, 2024. This 21+ event promises to be an unforgettable night, celebrating local artists and supporting the organization's Community Fund. Tickets for the event are available now. RSVP: Secure your tickets at https://lnkd.in/eE6zQqVs The Flying Colors Benefit Art Auction will transform the Museum & Theatre into a vibrant art gallery, showcasing the work of over 100 talented artists from across Maine and New England. Attendees will explore three floors of vibrant interactive exhibits, have the opportunity to participate in a live auction, and enjoy a variety of entertainment and refreshments. The evening kicks off at 6 pm with an exclusive Host Committee Art Preview and Cocktail Hour, followed by the main event at 7 pm. Guests will enjoy live symphonic melodies provided by Kafari, indulge in gourmet bites provided by Big Tree Catering, and sip on colorful concoctions from Thompson’s Point. Event Highlights: Silent Auction: Participate in a Silent Auction across three floors of the Museum & Theatre featuring over 100 artists and varying mediums, from acrylic and oil on canvas to photography, wearable art, sculpture, original comic strips, and more.   Live Auction: Get ready to bid in real-time at the Live Auction in Maddy’s Theatre featuring a private lecture from a Wyeth family member, pieces from @Rachel Gloria Adams, Ryan Adams, Charlie Hewitt, an in-home mural by Rebecca Vlonsky, Maine-centered art experiences, and more.  Community Art Project: Engage with art on a personal level by participating in a collective paint-by-number project.  Entertainment: Enjoy music by Kafari and a live interactive performance by Unique Unknown & Friends. The event is made possible by a lengthy and incredibly generous list of over 100 host committee members and over 25 sponsors and underwriters. The sponsor list includes Camden National Bank, Big Tree Catering, Douston Construction, Red Thread, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Baker Newman Noyes, Portside Real Estate Group: Sarah Delisle + Sweeton Team, Pierce Atwood LLP, Fidelity Investments, Benchmark Real Estate, Coffee By Design, New England Cancer Specialists, Merrill's Investigations & Security, Sotheby's International Realty: Melissa McKersie, SOUTHERN MAINE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, LLC, Burr Signs, Clark Insurance - Marsh McLennan Agency, Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution, , Fleur De Lis Floral Designs & Gifts, Nelson Property Services, and additional support from Casco Bay Frames and Gallery, AV Technik, LLC, and Hunter Panels. Thank you to all the incredible individuals and businesses helping to make this event possible. Buy your tickets today and don't miss the Flying Colors Benefit Auction on May 10 at the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

We are so grateful to our community and Portland Radio Group for selecting the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine as the GOLD recipient of 2023's Best of the 207: Museum! Being honored in this way by our community means the world to us. It's a testament to our dedication to providing engaging, educational, and fun experiences for children and families. This award recognizes the hard work and passion our team brings to CMTM each day. CMTM is the most visited museum in the state and the fifth most visited venue. We are committed to creating and nurturing a space that reflects and celebrates our immediate community and the state. It is incredibly humbling that over 200,000 visitors each year, over 70% of whom are from Maine, trust us to be a space where they can be themselves and know they belong. Thank you again, and we can't wait to play soon! #BestOf207 #ChildrensMuseumAndTheatreOfMaine #CommunityLove #ThankYou #PortlandRadioGroup

Our Executive Director, Julie Butcher Pezzino, spoke with Brian Maughan on the BUILT podcast about the process of imagining and building our state-of-the-art facility at 250 Thompson's Point in Portland, Maine. Julie took Brian through the organization's history, the hopes and dreams for the new space (including a theatre and aquarium), the planning and fundraising process, the build amidst a global pandemic, and the partners who helped make the 30,000-square-foot building and 10,000-square-foot outdoor play space a reality. Thank you to Brian, the BUILT podcast, and the BUILT podcast team for shining a light on the incredible process and now the realization of a child-focused facility where everyone belongs. Thank you also to our build partners: CMTM staff + board Bruner/Cott Architects Christopher Sullivan Creative Studios Hands On! Studio Zachau Construction Inc. And the countless local artists and industry professionals who all contributed to this project.