Cultural Center of Cape Cod

Our Mission

The Cultural Center’s mission is to increase access to education in the visual and performing arts, culture and humanities for all Cape residents, with specific concentration on youth development and professional growth. It serves as a focal point for the community and visitors to the area interested in culture and the arts by offering instruction, entertainment and exhibition.

Our History

In 2000, the decaying but still beautiful Bass River Savings Banks in South Yarmouth was about to undergo an amazing rebirth. Once considered an architectural treasure, the building had been vacant for 17 years and was by then in such bad condition that it was increasingly a neighborhood concern. A group of dedicated citizens therefore formed a nonprofit organization to transform the elegant old building into a much-needed cultural center. A very generous neighbor, inspired by this monumental effort, purchased the building and donated it to the group.

So began the 6 years of grass roots fund raising necessary to finance extensive renovations estimated at $2.3 million. For 5 years, the majority of funds came from a Founding Sponsor drive, with average donations of $50, and from many other fund raising events. Finally, in 2006, the Town of Yarmouth voted to release $400,000 in Community Preservation Act Funds to the Cultural Center so that the renovation could be completed.

Among the many renovation projects were significant roof repairs, removal of hazardous waste including decayed lead paint and asbestos ceiling tiles, removal and replacement of corroded heating and plumbing systems, forced opening of an old vault, and dismantling of the tellers’ stations. After basic gutting, 1930s-inspired restrooms and a catering kitchen were installed. The interior was completely repainted in period color schemes, and a terrazzo floor featuring a compass rose was laid. The project was completed for $700,000, less than a third of the original estimate, thanks to the outstanding efforts of volunteer workers and the extraordinarily competent leadership of the trustees, Business Administrator Patricia Garry, and Executive Director Robert Nash.

The Cultural Center of Cape Cod finally opened its doors in February 2007. Since then, the Center has held many events and exhibits and is well on its way to fulfilling its mission to support and embrace All the Arts for All of Us.

Our Services and Programs

The Cultural Center offers a wide range of services and programs including classes and workshops, exhibits for emerging and established artists of all kinds, concerts, plays, readings, films, lectures, dances, collaborations with the schools and with human service organizations and their clients, mentoring, summer art camps, festivals, and other programs and events. The Cultural Center also serves as a venue for benefits, parties, meetings, weddings, and other private events.

Hours/Schedule

Please visit www.cultural-center.org or the Cultural Center itself for information about events and classes. Membership includes a quarterly newsletter. Anyone can sign up to receive weekly emails about upcoming events.

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