Sponsor an Artist in Art Afloat 2026!

The Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce Art Afloat 2026, a public art exhibition featuring painted lobster boats displayed throughout downtown Freeport this summer. After a successful first run in 2024, this year we have 36 boats ready for artists, and we need your support!

Why Sponsor?Sponsoring a boat is a fun, high-visibility way to support local artists, promote your business, and celebrate Freeport’s community spirit. Proceeds from the auction will benefit:

• 50% to the artists
• 40% to the Chamber of Commerce
• 10% to the new Youth Philanthropy Project at Freeport High School

Sponsor Perks:

• 2 reserved spots at the Art Afloat Launch Party on June 25, 2026, at the Harraseeket Inn
• Your business logo displayed on the auction site
• Advertised with your sponsored boat’s promotions
• Your boat will feature a plaque with your business name displayed outdoors June 25- Aug 20

Youth Philanthropy Project at Freeport High SchoolA portion of the proceeds will support a new Youth Philanthropy Project led by Freeport High School’s Interact Club. Under the guidance of faculty advisor Dede Bennell, students will make real decisions about granting funds to local projects and nonprofits.
Through this initiative, students will:

• Assess community needs
• Review proposals
• Award grants

The project gives students hands-on experience in leadership, civic engagement, and responsible philanthropy, empowering youth to make a tangible impact while fostering teamwork, decision-making, and service.
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What Your Sponsorship Does

• $200 provides a lobster boat to an artist to decorate
• Boats will be displayed outdoors in downtown Freeport from June 25 – August 20, 2026
• Each boat features a plaque with your business name and auction details

Choosing an Artist

• If you are choosing an artist, please have them contact us directly to pick up a pre-cut boat.
• All boats MUST be returned by May 1, 2026, in order to participate in the exhibition and auction.
• If you don’t have a particular artist in mind, we’ll connect you with an interested participant.

Exhibition & Auction Details

• Launch Party: June 25, 2026, at the Harraseeket Inn (sponsors get 2 reserved spots)
• Boat Display: Downtown Freeport, June 25 – August 20, 2026
• Auction: Online through Give Butter, August 20, 2026

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Interested?Contact us for more details and sponsorship options:
 [email protected] or [email protected]
Join us in making Art Afloat a Freeport tradition while supporting artists and empowering youth to shape the community!

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2025 AUCTION CLOSED! Thank you for a Successful year!

Art, Lobster Yachts, Freeport, Maine

2024 Boat & Sponsor Locations

How?
Businesses and individuals have the opportunity to sponsor an artist to decorate a boat, which will be showcased in Freeport from September through November.

These boats, along with sponsor information and access to the auction website, will be displayed throughout Freeport and promoted for an online auction. The auction will be open to anyone interested in bidding on these one-of-a-kind pieces.

After our initial "Launch Party" September 26th the sponsored boats can be displayed at our GFCC office or in your business. We will have our boat "chart" showing where interested parties can view these boats in person.

Why?
This is an opportunity to generate attention for Freeport Arts and your business. We are looking forward to seeing these beautiful creations and the unique names given to your sponsored boats.
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Proceeds from this auction will support RSU5 Arts, GFCC, and the participating artist. The more generous the bids, the greater the impact on Freeport Arts!

Want to participate?
Please contact Tawni today!
Boats can be sponsored for $200
*Please let us know if you or your business would like assistance finding an artist!