Biddeford, ME: The North Dam Mill and River Tree Arts are pleased to announce the formation of The Project Space, an innovative partnership that will lead to the creation of an interdisciplinary arts facility located in Biddeford's North Dam Mill.

The Project Space will unite exhibition, performance, and studio spaces under one roof and will foster unique and exciting opportunities for creative collaboration. According to Rick Longo, Executive Director of River Tree Arts, "Having access to specialized facilities for creating work and unbounded spaces for exhibiting and viewing it will be an incredible resource for the region. When you bring a bunch of creative people together in spaces they can live, work, play, and make, amazing things happen. This will be a tremendous asset for emerging and established artists, local schools, and the community."

While the full realization of The Project Space's goals may be a bit in the future, programming will start immediately in a number of the Mill's raw spaces. Doug Sanford, owner of the North Dam Mill, states: "Walking through these spaces, you've got high ceilings, great light, and a building with its own character. We always knew it would a perfect space for the arts. We're excited it can happen so soon." The Project Space will start with approximately 6,000 square feet of raw space and will eventually expand as much as 20,000 square feet within the North Dam Mill and will be part of a growing campus of arts opportunities in the Biddeford area. A major draw of The Project Space will be the ability for artists to fabricate and present large scale work and installations that can not be readily exhibited in more traditional art spaces.

North Dam Mill and River Tree Arts plan to announce further details during "River Tree Presents. . ."-- a coffeehouse-style performance featuring Christian Cuff, Emilia Dahlin, and Dead End Armory held at North Dam Mill on January 30 from 6-9 PM.

About the Organizations

The North Dam Mill includes three connected, well-preserved brick buildings perched above the banks of the beautiful Saco River. Through the development of a careful blend of residential, commercial, and community spaces, the North Dam Mill seeks to be a force in the growing creative economy of Biddeford.

River Tree Arts is a nonprofit organization with locations in Biddeford and Kennebunk. Offering programs in music and the visual arts, River Tree is committed to "Strengthening Communities Through Collaboration in the Arts & Education."