About Creative Arts Network Inc. (CAN)
CAN plays two important roles in the city of Fall River.
Creative Arts Network (CAN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating a vibrant, sustainable arts and culture community that encourages tourism and economic development. We’ve been promoting arts, culture, and tourism since our founding in 2014, and we manage Fall River Waterfront Cultural District, the major hub of cultural, artistic, and economic activity in Fall River, a role we were appointed to in 2020.
Ten Years of Leadership: Our History
Creative Arts Network Inc. began in 2014 as AHA! Fall River through the Community Foundation of Southeastern MA, with a focus on highlighting the multitude of art, music, theater, charity, historical, and cultural events throughout greater Fall River. After three years working under the AHA label, we realized this model wasn’t compatible with Fall River's needs, so we decided to move in a new direction, and in 2017 we formed Creative Arts Network Inc. (CAN) and established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Mission and Vision: Promoting Arts, Culture, and Tourism
Our mission is to celebrate, stimulate, and nurture arts, culture, and tourism in the Greater Fall River area by raising awareness of Fall River’s assets. Our goal is to create a vibrant, sustainable arts and culture community that supports economic development and encourages tourism.
Our Focus: Initiatives That Add Lasting Value to the Community
We focus on adding value to the community through projects designed to produce enduring results, enhance Fall River’s visual appeal, and support tourism. We created Hortensia: The Hydrangea Project, a city beautification program through which we've planted hundreds of plants and flowers in downtown Fall River and on the waterfront, and we've developed a wide range of marketing, tourism, infrastructure, and business development intiatives in Fall River Waterfront Cultural District. ​