Tonight three Arts groups met at the ACM (Arts Collaborative Medford) home on Mystic ave to discuss their futures and possible mergers. This past year the couple that had been in charge of the city reknown West Medford Open Studios have decided to step down from this long standing project. After 25 years the couple had been looking for another group to take on the West Medford Open Studios and the ACM have taken up the torch. However, in order to coordinate this new event, WMOS will not be showing this year but will be back in 2026.

Arts Medford has been around for 30+ years and had joined in the talks to consider a merger. Along with the ACM and AM, CACHE has also been invited to join this collaboration. This is a big deal because each group brings its own strengths and unique events to the table. Each group has also realized that in the new climate, money gets tighter and its more of a self preservation move if each is to survive in the coming years. Tonight was the first step in identifying these strengths and what each has to offer the residents of Medford.

Among the ideas that were discussed is how each can keep their identity in a collaboration. There were breakout groups that discussed overlap and where weaknesses could become a foundation to build upon. Early impressions out of the gate is the direction of this meeting. Everyone was largely in agreement of the way forward, each group was a pleasure to work with and the hopes are high in terms of this possible merger working out. It appears each group is eager to make this work. In the coming weeks they will be able to start sharing out details but for now, this post is going to have to do.

Most importantly, among the other issues discussed tonight, they will be playing host to the independent candidate night! There should be details shared out after Monday night, very much more to come!

For now, check out each site to see what they offer:

ACM – Arts Collaborative Medford – https://artscollabmedford.org/

Arts Medford – https://artsmedford.org/welcome

CACHE – https://www.cacheinmedford.org/