Atlantic Transportation invests in DAC’s West Side Creative Market

The Developing Artist Collaboration announced Atlantic Transportation LLC has sponsored the West Side Creative Market this season with a generous investment of $10,000.

The DAC opened the market to the community in May 2021 and made significant capital improvements to the space in 2022.

Atlantic Transportation owner Chip Thompson, a longtime DAC supporter, was eager to join in on the community event. “Artists are so important to the community,” said Thompson. “We live two miles away from the market, and we come by almost every week in the summer. It just made sense to support this. The Creative Market is incredible for the community.”

From humble beginnings with a dozen artists selling their work in an empty lot, the Creative Market has grown into a thoughtfully designed space for locals and tourists to enjoy while sipping a cocktail, listening to live music and supporting local artists. The market is free to attend, and in addition to featuring artist vendors, it offers local music, do-it-yourself art projects and food trucks.

“We are so proud to continue to offer up such an enjoyable event series that provides a welcoming space for local artists and handmade businesses to thrive. This has become a unique tourist destination and a beloved regular spot for locals.” said Gina DePaul, DAC executive director. “It is community sponsors such as Atlantic Transportation that make it possible for us to do this year after year.”

The DAC, a grassroots organization that took off in 2017, independently funds the majority of the Creative Market as well as its artist development programs. “Local businesses such as Atlantic Transportation further investing in our programming will not only help sustain these incredible community projects like West Side Creative Market, but grow them even further and benefit our artist members even more,” said Leah Beach, DAC founder. “The more involved our community can be, the more incredible our events and programs will be.”

To learn more about supporting the Developing Artist Collaboration, email hello@developingarts.org or attend an upcoming Creative Market. These events continue to run every Monday and Friday through the end of September.

For more information on West Side Creative Market, go to westsidecreativemarket.com.