Chan Zuckerberg Initiative

The Cultural Center of Cape Cod was founded in 2001, driven by a passionate group of community members determined to preserve and revitalize the historic Bass River Savings Bank building, which had stood vacant and deteriorating for seventeen years. Through the extraordinary efforts of dedicated volunteers, strategic community partnerships, and grassroots fundraising, the Cultural Center was established and officially opened as a nonprofit organization in 2007, successfully renovating the building at a fraction of the original estimated cost, thanks to generous grants, including substantial support from the Town of Yarmouth Community Preservation Fund. Under its guiding principle "All the Arts for All of Us," the Center has become a cornerstone of cultural enrichment on Cape Cod. It aims to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and cultural exploration through inclusive and accessible programs across visual, culinary, literary, and performing arts. Since opening its doors, the Cultural Center has welcomed more than 275,000 visitors, providing a vibrant community space where art, education, and culture converge.  Recognized for its community impact and architectural achievements, the Cultural Center has received prestigious awards, including the Adaptive Reuse Award from the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the Community Impact Award from the Town of Yarmouth. Significant milestones in the Center’s growth include the 2016 opening of a new Education Wing, which doubled its capacity for programming without incurring debt, made possible through funding from the Cultural Facilities Fund, Yarmouth Community Preservation Fund, and individual donors.