At PMAC, we know the arts are essential to human well-being, and to a vibrant, connected Seacoast. That’s why we place access at the heart of our mission to build community through the arts.
However, our current home at 973 Islington Street can no longer keep pace with demand—especially for visual arts programs. These space limitations are not simply inconvenient or frustrating; they prevent us from serving students of all ages and abilities. When PMAC is unable to welcome all who want to participate, we fall short of our goal to make the arts truly accessible in the Seacoast.
The South Meeting House offers a powerful, energizing solution.
By transforming this historic building into a dedicated visual arts campus, we can meet rising community need and create new opportunities for creativity, connection, and inclusion—all while preserving a beloved building that has long been a gathering place for connection.
"When people have the space and support to create, it sparks something magical: They come to life, and so does their community."
New Hampshire business owners have the opportunity to invest in this project by purchasing state tax credits awarded by the NH Community Development Finance Authority.
PMAC is in the early stages of a campaign to support the South Meeting House project and the broader vision for PMAC’s future. If you are curious about contributing leadership support, we’d love to share more details.
Completed in 1866, the South Meeting House holds generations of community memories. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 4,000-square-foot space was used as multiple purposes, including a ward hall, school, church, and polling site. It was the home of Portsmouth’s first Black church, The People’s Baptist Church, and later housed the Disabled American Veterans (1960-1962), Strawbery Banke (1963-1979); The Children’s Museum (1983-2008), and PPMtv (2011-2023).
The new South Meeting House visual arts center will feature two art classroms, a digital media classroom, two private lesson studios, and an elevator for accessibility. A second-floor art gallery will feature curated rotating art exhibitions featuring student and faculty artwork, as well as local and regional artists – free and open to all.
Our Seacoast community can enjoy continued, expanded, and new PMAC programs for all ages and abilities, including free or discounted creative aging programs for older adults. Our tuition aid program for families in need will also expand.
PMAC is working with partners who share our commitment to community, creativity, and access:
PMAC Board President, Bill Durling: A Letter to Our Community | November 18, 2025
Portsmouth Herald: South Meeting House lease for PMAC visual arts center approved | Nov 18, 2025
Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth Council applauds bid to turn South Meetin gHouse into community arts center | Aug 19, 2024
