Mainebiz

MB: How did positions at Waterville Main Street and the Maine Film Center prepare you for Waterville Creates? SH: I served as the executive director of Waterville Main Street for 10 years; I stepped into that role shortly after I became the MIFF festival director, so I held both positions concurrently. What I loved about both jobs was how grounded they were in commu- nity and in place. I quickly learned how unique Waterville's arts assets were and how core they were to our community's identity. In our small city of 16,000 people, we were home to the largest art museum in the state, the oldest and largest film festival, a Sundance Arthouse Project cinema, a national medal-winning library and a historic opera house that had been lovingly stewarded for over 100 years. In both positions, I was working for small nonprofits that had big missions but limited resources and few staff. By necessity, I had to learn a little bit about everything it takes to run a suc- cessful business — fundraising, mar- keting, budgeting, staff and volunteer management and collaboration — all of which have informed my work at Waterville Creates. MB: Downtown Waterville now has key downtown assets, including the Lockwood Hotel and the Schupf Art Center. Do those make it easier to bring in other attractions? SH: Downtown Waterville is certainly becoming a more attractive destina- tion for visitors, and we are seeing more and more inquiries from people interested in hosting conferences and events. Our longstanding events, like the Maine International Film Festival, have also benefited from recent developments. Festival screenings and events are now focused in one central- ized location, and visiting filmmakers and guests can stay within walking distance of the action. is really focuses the energy and the impact of the event and maximizes the impact on downtown Waterville. MB: What's the ideal mix between arts attractions, retail and housing? SH: I think successful, thriving down- towns have a healthy mix of all these things, but I also think that each com- munity is different, so there can't be a cookie-cutter approach. In Waterville, we have around two dozen restaurants in downtown, and they are core to our community's identity and absolutely crucial to a successful arts and culture scene. When we have a sold-out show at the Waterville Opera House, which now happens dozens of times per year, all the restaurants are packed. When people think about going to a movie at the Maine Film Center, they want to know that they can grab dinner, too. MB: What does downtown Waterville still need? SH: Downtown has amazing arts assets, a wonderful public library, diverse dining options, a hotel, great retail and service businesses, a beautiful riverside park and two new large-scale apartment developments underway; honestly, I think we have all of the components of a successful downtown. I do think we could use a few more entertainment options to complement the arts and cultural offerings, but most of all, I think we need a comprehensive and coordinated marketing campaign that tells the full story of Waterville and what makes us unique. Peter Van Allen, Mainebiz editor, can be reached at pvanallen @ mainebiz.biz W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 27 A U G U S T 1 1 , 2 0 2 5 View our Online ShoreMaster Catalog at: HAMMONDLUMBER.COM/SHOREMASTER LIMITLESS CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS FREE DELIVERY WITHIN STOREWIDE DELIVERY AREA 22 LOCATIONS ACROSS MAINE & NEW HAMPSHIRE DISCOVER THE SHOREMASTER DIFFERENCE Downtown Waterville is certainly becoming a more attractive destination for visitors.

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