CultureHouse Peabody Announces Completion of Pop-Up Space

The CultureHouse Peabody Advisory Group announced today the completion of their month-long pop-up space in downtown Peabody, designed for gathering community members together in the area, providing space for arts and cultural programs, and better-understanding community needs during this time.

The CultureHouse Peabody pop-up space, which opened from June 1 – July 3, was created to serve as a public living room for the Peabody community and develop an impact report detailing a plan for a potential longer-term space in the city. The research findings gathered from the participatory pop-up space will help local community members and stakeholders determine the feasibility of a more permanent community space and provide insights that businesses can use in their operations and community engagement. The final results of the CultureHouse Peabody pop-up are due to be released by the end of August in a detailed impact report.

“Although this may be the end of the pop-up space at 86 Main Street, it’s the beginning of the next chapter of CultureHouse Peabody,” said Emily Cooper, a member of the CultureHouse Peabody Advisory Group. “Closing this space affords us time for an in depth conversation about what the project was about, what happened in this space over the past month, and what lessons can be learned to continue to provide people with a ‘third place’ outside of work and home that unites the community and reinvigorates small businesses.”

During the month’s long pop-up, the space hosted more than 400 visitors; over 40 different types of events, workshops, gallery showings and programs; and 50 local artists and performers. Live, in-person programs included paint nights, open mic nights, yoga classes, Lunch & Learns, and open coworking hours.

Initial findings from the success of the Peabody pop-up space will also be beneficial to local businesses wanting to gain insights on the downtown market and explore alternative forms of community-building. Visitors to the CultureHouse pop-up space noted benefits to the use of outdoor and/or sidewalk activations - such as an art workshop hosted by Pasquale Minichillio Jr. of Create and Escape - to entice passersby, live music at appropriate sound levels, and the creation of a space dedicated to teenagers and youth activities. Additional creative uses of the space such as dedicated networking opportunities and professional development courses were also found to be beneficial when maximizing the use of a main street storefront.

“We had such a great time creating and activating this community space for the benefit of Peabody residents, and I know they had a great time enjoying the space,” said Julie O’Neill, CultureHouse Peabody Manager. “Throughout my time here, I spoke with dozens of Peabody residents and business owners who were amazed at the flexibility and multiple uses of the space throughout the month. They would say things like, ‘I wish this was here forever’ or ‘I saw the bubble machine from down the street and had to check it out.’ That type of positive affirmation shows the desire for a permanent space like this in the community.”

Part of the CultureHouse Peabody Impact Report will feature concepts for fundraising models capable of sustaining a long-term community space like the temporary pop-up at 86 Main Street. The concepts will be beneficial to investors as a proof-point for the viability of a future long-term space to meet the community’s needs. CultureHouse Peabody continues to have conversations with local businesses, civic leaders, and artists to identify best practices from the month-long pop-up. The CultureHouse Peabody Advisory Group is also adding new members to better involve community residents as conversations continue.

About CultureHouse Peabody

Previously located at 86 Main St. Peabody, MA, CultureHouse Peabody was a month-long pop-up community space intended to serve as a community living room, wi-fi lounge, kiosk, and space for small community classes. In the aftermath of COVID-19, CultureHouse Peabody brought together residents, artists, and community groups to create vibrancy downtown. The Peabody project was put on by CultureHouse, a nonprofit organization based in Somerville that works with communities to create pop-up community spaces that spur long-term community-driven change. Learn more about them at culturehouse.cc.