Rachael Jones / Artist / Exeter, NH

TEAM is a tremendous addition to Exeter’s cultural scene; it’s fantastic to see such a diverse group of hyperlocal artists coming together to propagate original, unique, and fresh material. They’re actively proving that the town is awake, alive and continuously growing. TEAM’s exciting and unexpected downtown art & music events are a welcome change to the status quo, and they are successful in attracting a young, vibrant crowd with much to contribute. As someone who grew up in Exeter in an artistic family, earned a degree in Art History, moved out of state to live in various metropolitan areas, and relatively recently returned to Exeter, I have found it exciting to witness TEAM challenging the average pattern of the small town arts & music situation.

TEAM & AIA consist of creators whose main goals are making art and setting it in front of those who wish to enjoy it. They focus on the artists, and are both understanding and anticipatory of their creative needs and goals. TEAM & AIA are capable advocates and tenacious allies for artists, and I’m looking forward to both participating in and attending more TEAM-organized shindigs - their use of the beautiful (yet underutilized) Swasey Parkway has been exactly what the town needs. I’d love to see TEAM get behind the Thursday night concerts in the park during the summer months; their handling of the series would certainly mean that I’d start to attend the shows, to which I haven’t been in years. TEAM’s endeavors are rapidly turning Exeter into an artistic destination in the seacoast area, and AIA’s community-building e nterprises are invaluable to the creative masses of New Hampshire.