USDA Rural Development Announces $1.24 Million Guarantee on Loan to Construct Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockland

USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel announced today that the agency will invest $1.24 million in the construction for Center for Maine Contemporary Art.

USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel said, “This newly constructed art center will be yet another draw for Maine residents, artists, and tourists alike to visit the vibrant Midcoast Region, which has such a rich heritage. Projects like this one help promote economic growth and enrich the culture of the region and the state.”

The funding comes in the form of a Community Facility Guaranteed Loan in the amount of $1,248,000 in partnership with local lender Camden National Bank, and is part of the $5,223,280 total project cost. The facility, located at 21 Winter Street, is nearing completion. The 11,500 square foot building includes three exhibition galleries (one of which will double as a lecture hall and performance space, an art laboratory classroom, a gift shop, and a 2,200 square foot classroom. The Center for Maine Contemporary Art is working to pay back the loan through its capital campaign, which has raised $4.3 million of the $5 million for the building to date with the help of community partners and donors.

This new and improved space will increase the traffic through the Center, from 9,000 annually at its location in a former firehouse in Rockport, to upwards of 35,000 or more at its new downtown Rockland location. There will be a glass-enclosed courtyard, as well as open space in front of the museum for the public to enjoy. A June 26 Grand Opening is planned.

USDA Rural Development has Area Offices located in Presque Isle, Bangor, Lewiston, and Scarborough, as well as a State Office, located in Bangor. There are 54 employees working to deliver the agency’s Housing, Business, and Community Programs, which are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, and farmers, and improve the quality of life in rural Maine. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at http://www.rd.usda.gov/me.