May 3, 2017
Island Institute recognizes energy innovator, community champion at 7th Annual Island Energy Conference
Welcoming remarks from U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Keynote from Tetsunari Iida from Japan , and speakers highlight shared challenges and transitions needed to address sustainable energy
SOUTH PORTLAND, ME – The Island Institute kicked off its seventh annual Island Energy Conference in South Portland today by recognizing two groups for their work as energy leaders and champions for Maine’s island communities. The Island Energy Innovation Award was presented to the Monhegan Plantation Power District for recent upgrades made to the island’s power station which will create cleaner emissions and incorporate renewable energy into the island grid, and the board and staff of the Swan’s Island Electric Cooperative received the Island Institute Community Champion Award for their work in securing a pathway for affordable electric power for the people of Swan’s Island and Frenchboro.
March 16, 2017
Registration Opens for Artists & Makers Conference Scheduled for April 7
Maine artists and makers are invited to learn practical tips and strategies for starting, growing, or finding inspiration in their business from experts and peers
BELFAST, ME—The fourth annual Artists & Makers Conference will be held on Friday, April 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Hutchinson Center in Belfast. Hosted by Archipelago and the Island Institute, the one-day event will offer practical tips and strategies to help grow arts businesses and is open to all artists and makers who live and produce work in Maine.
March 13, 2017
Island Institute publishes first edition of "Waypoints: Community Indicators for Maine's Coast and Islands" - with summary analysis and detailed data on 120 communities
Economic, community and environmental data reflects challenges and opportunities for the Maine coast
ROCKLAND, ME – The Island Institute released today the first edition of Waypoints: Community Indicators for Maine’s Coast and Islands. The publication presents economic, community and environmental indicators for Maine’s coastal and island communities as they compare to the rest of the state and the nation.
November 28, 2016
Islesboro School swaps old bulbs for LEDs with new grant
Spark! Fund provides mini grants for community energy projects
ISLESBORO, ME—Islesboro Central School (ICS) has been awarded $2,000 for LED lighting upgrades in the first grant from the Island Institute’s Spark! Fund. The Spark! Fund supports community-based energy projects with energy-saving and educational outcomes on Maine’s year-round islands and remote coastal communities.
September 8, 2016
Maine island virtual reality experience debuts in Rockland during Camden International Film Festival
The Yarn Corporation has partnered with the Island Institute for a virtual reality experience of Maine island and coastal life at this year's festival, September 15-18
ROCKLAND, ME—Until you’ve experienced virtual reality through a headset, it might be hard to imagine why media companies around the world are so excited about this cutting-edge technology. But, once you’ve tried it, you understand that it can instantly transport you to another place and time. In this case, you could be transported to beautiful islands off the coast of Maine - anytime you like.
September 2, 2016
Archipelago features artists in celebration of Fall
Betty Heselton and Kathleen Perelka, among others, on display through November 13th
ROCKLAND, ME—Fall brings color and beautiful light, subjects Kathleen Perelka and Betty Heselton explore in their artwork. New paintings are currently on display in the Archipelago Fine Arts Gallery, the Island Institute’s gallery featuring the work of Maine artists. Perelka and Heselton will be featured along with new work by Herb Parsons, Kendra Denny, Catherine Worthington, Ben Coombs, Wayne Hall, Jennifer Field, Joe McBrine, Jody Meredith and Janice Jones.
August 26, 2016
Island Institute will increase energy efficiency projects in rural communities with $230,000 U.S. Department of Energy grant
The grant will enable the Institute to further develop, document, and share strategies to increase the uptake of energy efficiency measures in Maine and other parts of the nation
ROCKLAND, ME—Just as Maine homeowners prepare for another heating season, Rockland-based Island Institute is gearing up to implement "Bridging the Rural Efficiency Gap," a two-year, $232,351 project recently funded by the U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program Competitive Grant program through the Maine Governor's Energy Office (GEO).
August 5, 2016
Archipelago “Summer” show features artists from Waldoboro and Chebeague Island
Jean Kigel and Caroline Loder to display watercolors and oils through August 28th
ROCKLAND, ME—Archipelago Fine Arts is celebrating summer with a new exhibition including Jean Kigel, Caroline Loder, Dylan Metrano, Lacey Goodrich, Wayne Hall, Michele O'Keefe, Stephanie Crossman, Jeff Barrett, Carolyn Kemp, and Lin Lisberger. The public is invited to a reception at the First Friday Artwalk on August 5th. The show will be up until August 28th.
April 20, 2016
Ramblers Way Farm partners locally to protect the environment.
The pioneering clothing company will volunteer to support the Island Institute
KENNEBUNK, ME—We’re excited to share with you our latest environmental initiative. We’re partnering with the Island Institute, a key community nonprofit organization near and dear to our home state of Maine. Ramblers Way Farm employees will contribute 5% of their paid work hours volunteering for the Island Institute.
March 25, 2016
Penobscot Watershed Conference
Sharing our Heritage, Challenges, and Future
NORTHPORT, ME—As Maine’s largest river system, the Penobscot River carries a deep cultural and economic history of our region. The future health of this vast watershed will be discussed at the first Penobscot Watershed Conference, April 9, 8am-5pm at Point Lookout in Northport, Maine. We will kick off events with a free pre-conference film screening and panel discussion hosted by the Island Institute and other local and regional non-profit organizations.