Investing in Impact with Creative Hub

In 2016, two local artists and educators founded the Creative Hub Worcester, a nonprofit organization to serve the community’s artists. They envisioned a safe and inclusive space for artists to socialize, take classes, create, show and exhibit their artwork—a nurturing environment that fostered genuine relationships, human connection, and equal access and opportunities for everyone.

That vision is finally coming to fruition, largely due to the relationship they forged with Country Bank, according to Laura Marotta, co-founder and executive director of the Creative Hub Worcester. The bank guided Laura through the acquisition and construction of the former Boys Club facility at 2 Ionic Avenue in Worcester, a historic 1914 building that is being transformed into the Creative Hub Community Arts Center through a partnership with the A&BC and Creative Hub Worcester.

For Laura, everything clicked after meeting with Jessica Royce, SVP of Commercial Banking in Worcester. Jess showed genuine interest in her vision and offered competitive financing terms on the $14 million construction project. “She’s right there when you need anything,” said Laura. “This is my first large real estate development project. I’ve been learning as I go. I can ask them anything.”

It’s crucial for nonprofits to get the respect and funding they need to be able to make a difference in their communities and to keep their communities moving forward, says Laura. She credits Country Bank for supporting and fighting for local organizations such as The Creative Hub.

“I find it amazing that we’re here, and we wouldn’t be here without Country Bank,” she said. “They made this dream happen. They believed in our business plan, and they made it so easy. It’s mutual trust.”