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Experience Western Maine
Scenic - Historic - Rich in Culture |
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From Rangeley to the Lakes Region
About the Western Maine Cultural Alliance
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MISSION
The Mission of the Western Maine Cultural Alliance is to preserve, protect, encourage and support cultural activity in western Maine.
BACKGROUND
The Western Maine Cultural Alliance started with a cultural inventory project known as Discovery Research
funded by the Maine Arts Commission in 2001. There was also a separate folklore project.
Both projects were conducted in the 21 towns of Maine School Districts 17, 44 and 72. The results are available online.
Cultural Groups and Individuals
Historical Buildings and Protected Sites
Annually Recurring Community Events
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A Celebration of Discovery
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Western Oxford Foothills Discovery Research Project
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In 2002, the organization known as Western Oxford Foothills Discovery Research Project held a Celebration of Discovery at the historic Norway Grange.
It featured interviews with artisans and arts promoters and performances by a range of artists from poetry to dance.
The entire event was taped and made into a film that was distributed through cable access stations all over Maine. |
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| Welcome to WOF |
| Western Oxford Foothills Cultural Council
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In 2003, now known as Western Oxford Foothills Cultural Council (WOF). published a print directory.
Titled: Welcome to the Western Oxford Foothills; A Guide to Artists, Organizations and Services, it was distributed to libraries, chambers, arts and cultural organizations.
With data collected from 21 towns, it also gave history, folklore, cultural resources, protected sites and a bibiliography. |
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| Planning for the Future |
| Western Oxford Foothills Cultural Council
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In 2004, WOF wrote a three year strategic plan.
At its center was Scenic Byways designation for Route 113 as a unifying factor as well as a delivery system for cultural tourism.
It also obtained 501(c)(3) status as a certified non-profit and sought funding to produce a cultural map of the region. |
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| Cultural Mapping |
| Western Oxford Foothills Cultural Council
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In 2005, WOF published a cultural map of 24 towns in western Maine, adding the three towns of MSAD 39.
The map also gave walking tours of four national historic districts; Paris Hill, Bethel Hill, Waterford Flat and Main Street, Norway.
Information about Cultural Map |
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| Exhibiting Artists |
| The Gallery at Maine Wildlife Park
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| In the summer of 2005, WOF launched a gallery at Maine Wildlife Park displaying fine quality landscape and wildlife art from all over the state including Native American basket work. |
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| Showcasing Artists |
| The Gallery at Maine Wildlife Park
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| It was a highly successful experiment and demonstrated the enormous potential and high level of quality available. |
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| Committment to Culture |
| Western Maine Cultural Alliance
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In 2006, WOF changed its name to Western Maine Cultural Alliance.
It built a new web site and started work on a Scenic Byways eligibility application for Route 113 from Standish to Gilead.
Information about Scenic Byways
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Are you involved in cultural activity in western Maine? Fill out a survey form.
Click here to submit data
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