The Lowell Center for the Arts at the Historic Smith Baker Center

The Smith Baker Center has stood at the heart of downtown Lowell for over one hundred and forty years as a symbol of community, culture, and civic life. Now, we have the opportunity to bring it back to life.

Through the vision and leadership of Allies in Music Education, Inc. & The Smith Baker Preservation Corporation, the Smith Baker Center will be transformed into the Lowell Center for the Arts (LCA); a vibrant, inclusive space where creativity and community come together. LCA will be a home for music, community, education, entrepreneurship, and cultural celebration. With performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, commercial kitchens, and accessible arts programming, this historic building will once again serve the people of Lowell, this time as a thriving arts and community hub.

But we can’t do it without you.

We’re building a movement to save this iconic space and reimagine what the arts can mean for the future of our city. Your donation helps us preserve a historic landmark and ensure that every member of our community has access to creativity, connection, and opportunity.

Join us in making this vision a reality. Give today, and be part of Lowell’s next great chapter.

Our Mission:

The mission of the Lowell Center for the Arts (LCA) is to preserve Lowell’s past, enhance Lowell’s present, and build Lowell’s future through arts, culture, and community engagement.

Our Vision:

Economic Growth and Community Revitalization

A strong arts sector drives economic growth, attracts tourism, and creates jobs. By revitalizing the Smith Baker Center, LCA will bring increased foot traffic to local businesses, support local artists, and contribute to the city’s economy through performances, classes, and community events.

Expanding Access to Arts Education

LCA will provide accessible, high-quality arts education programs for children, teens, and adults, ensuring that creativity and artistic expression remain an integral part of Lowell’s community. Scholarships, after-school programs, and professional development opportunities will make the arts available to everyone, regardless of financial background.

Creating a Cultural Destination

LCA will establish itself as a premier venue for music, theater, and visual arts, drawing audiences and artists from across the region. It will be a place where cultural traditions are celebrated, where new artistic voices are nurtured, and where the entire community can come together.

A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration

LCA isn’t just for artists, it’s a space where creativity, entrepreneurship, and community come together. In addition to performance and education spaces, LCA will offer a shared-use commercial kitchen & culinary incubator designed to support local food entrepreneurs and small businesses, as well as a full-service cafe, bar, and lounge. These resources will provide an affordable, dynamic environment where creatives, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs can collaborate, grow, and thrive in an inclusive economic engine that fosters innovation and supports the next generation of Lowell’s visionaries.

Four Giving Tiers Available!

Friend
(<$500)
Early access to announcements & pre-sale for the first public concert/open house
Quarterly “Behind the Build” email with photos and updates

Supporter
($500-$999)
All benefits of ‘Friend' tier, plus:
Engraved brick on the LCA Founders Walkway
Any text of your choice, subject to review – limit 3 lines, 14-16 characters per line, including spaces

Advocate
($1,000-$2,499)
All benefits of ‘Supporter' tier, plus:
Invitation for two to a hard hat preview tour with the LCA team
Induction into the Smith Baker Preservation Society

Visionary
($2,500+)
Seat recognition in LCA auditorium with an engraved nameplate

Introducing the Smith Baker Preservation Society

The Smith Baker Preservation Society is an honorary giving society recognizing individuals, businesses, and organizations who make leadership-level investments in the future of the Smith Baker Center.

All donors who contribute $1,000 or more; including many of our longtime supporters who have already reached this level of giving, will be recognized as members of the Society.

Members receive:

Permanent recognition on the Smith Baker Preservation Society Wall
Exclusive project updates and behind-the-scenes tours
Invitation to our acquisition celebration and future open house events
Priority invitations to special programs and donor gatherings
Permanent recognition associated with sponsored preservation elements

Recognition reflects gifts made after Jan. 1st, 2026.
Seat nameplates are recognition items only and do not reserve or assign seat usage. Recognition term 10 years.
Founders Walkway brick text subject to character limits and formatting for legibility.

Lowell Center for the Arts

At the Historic Smith Baker Center